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intent

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intent are aim, design, end, goal, intention, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When can aim be used instead of intent?

In some situations, the words aim and intent are roughly equivalent. However, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

In what contexts can design take the place of intent?

While the synonyms design and intent are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When could end be used to replace intent?

The words end and intent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When is it sensible to use goal instead of intent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intent, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When would intention be a good substitute for intent?

Although the words intention and intent have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of intent?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Where would objective be a reasonable alternative to intent?

The meanings of objective and intent largely overlap; however, objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intent?

The words purpose and intent can be used in similar contexts, but purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of intent
Noun
The superintendent, 53-year-old Edie Martin, faces a felony charge of failure to report with the intent to conceal, according to jail records. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025 Voice search queries are typically longer, more conversational and more intent-driven. Oleg Levitas, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Chatbots can be engineered by teams of experts intent on programming them to be as responsive and empathetic as possible — the psychological version of scientists designing the perfect Dorito that destroys any attempt at self-control. Angela Chen, Vox, 26 Mar. 2025 Not because technology may disrupt it, but because my own government seems intent on destroying it. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • The name’s ironic on purpose—the app allows users to create, send, and receive anonymous voice messages in a celebrity’s tone.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
    Dr. Ronald Premuroso, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Your tone carries memory, intention and relationship.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Diminishing political and social returns — ideas that start from good intentions only to end in frustration and disillusion — seem to plague most attempts at addressing America’s structural problems, which remain and persist.
    Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side In the big-screen adaptation of this true story, Sandra Bullock played Leigh Anne Tuohy, the resolute Southern mother who adopts teen Michael Oher.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Conscientiously addressing a national crisis of domestic abuse while also lunging for the heartstrings, the film is an uneven balance of grainy social realism and crowd-pleasing uplift, but Cruz’s resolute performance just about holds it together.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • With 16 goals and five assists in 32 games, Bryan Mbeumo might already be in your ‘joy to watch’ list.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The seventh-place Lions are only below Chelsea on goal differential and have just a one-point deficit with Manchester City for the final Champions League spot.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As values and priorities shift, younger generations want more meaning, alignment, and employer support.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Which has a whole different meaning now in L.A., especially what Mandy and Milo personally experienced.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nick, now focused on his role as the heir to his grandfather’s empire, and Noah, just beginning to build her own career, are determined to keep their distance, despite their ​undeniable attraction​ and the past that connects them.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Is this morally corrupt crowd determined to ignore constitutional obligations rather than ever admit a mistake?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This first-of-its-kind program will accept (12) NYC students who are interested in learning about careers within the media industry.
    Vogue, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Giacchino would, however, be interested in doing more.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump has upended the global trading system that has been in place for over 75 years with a plan for tariffs on products from across the world.
    Chris Prentice, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Wyandotte County residents will have a chance to weigh in on plans to potentially issue $155 million in sales tax and revenue (STAR) bonds that would help finance the nonprofit organization’s move to Kansas City, Kansas, just northwest of the Kansas Speedway.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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