intent 1 of 2

intent

2 of 2

adjective

1
2

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

Examples 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 ratification announcement was the culmination of a decade-long effort by American Single Malt producers to legitimize a style of whiskey that was self-governed and, for all intents and purposes, already standardized. Chris Perugini, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 The County Council on Tuesday heard an update from Fitzwater’s administration about PSEG’s application and the county’s intent to intervene in the state approval process. Ceoli Jacoby, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Olmo, however, appears intent on remaining in Catalonia. James McNicholas, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 Photo : Kevin Mazur for Getty Images; Panerai Morris Chestnut in a Panerai Luminor Presenter and actor in the CBS series Watson, Morris Chestnut was intent on standing out at the big event in a cherry red suit, tie, and shirt. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • Keeping your headphones on and listening to a favorite podcast or audiobook can serve the same purpose.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Many fans have questioned the purpose of a TV reboot given the film franchise is pretty much perfect as is, but Columbus sees its worth.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Even well-meaning feedback can feel like judgment if it’s not delivered with care and intention.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • In October, the new Labour government announced its intention to give up sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago: some sixty islands, including Diego Garcia—home to an important U.S. military base—in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In a statement the night the fire reached the Villa, a Getty Center and Getty Villa Museum spokesperson said the museum benefitted from resolute brush clearance and hearty, double-wall construction.
    Matteo Moschella, NBC News, 12 Jan. 2025
  • This means rejecting, with resolute conviction, the seductive allure of victimhood and its tacit relinquishment of personal agency.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Although the goal originated from a Gabriel Martinelli cross, their tally for goals from crosses does not increase as Wolves’ Nelson Semedo headed the ball away before Calafiori’s finish.
    Art de Roché, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
  • After a review, the refs ruled there was no interference and the goal beat the clock.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • If Americans are hungering for a collective sense of meaning, Weissbourd told me, the best approach might be to get people involved in volunteer opportunities.
    Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • These inner struggles have taken on a whole new meaning since last year.
    Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But Jasmine was determined to have Stacey join in on the fun.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
  • When will our incoming administration, controlled by greedy billionaires who are determined to divide the spoils for themselves, create yet another government agency that will be a perfect fit to help carry out their agenda? Eureka!
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As of now, the Heat is not interested in having Butler remain away from the team while paying him the remainder of his $48.8 million salary for this season after his suspension is over.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025
  • One of the forwards the north London side are interested in is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Red tape, budget shortfalls and government inaction repeatedly stymied plans for water system improvements — including some that specifically cited the need to boost firefighting capacity.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
  • De la Hogue Moran said going forward the plan is to launch a selection of pop-ups around the world, averaging two a year, with one implementation more art-centric via partnerships with galleries and artists and the other more product-oriented via tie-ups with retailers.
    Sandra Salibian, WWD, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near intent

Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!