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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
Aside from the incredible expense of achieving a credible European defense posture without U.S. military support, even voicing such an intent risks hastening a total divorce that would threaten the security of both Europe and North America. Michael E. O’Hanlon, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2025 But their plan takes an unexpected turn when Min’s grandmother flys in from Korea with the intent of turning the wedding into a giant party. Matt Minton, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Soon, mild-mannered Nate is off after the baddies, intent on getting back the only person who has ever seen his limitations as gifts. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Mar. 2025 While that’s become industry-standard for genre epics, Anderson was intent to avoid technical limitations that he’s seen other modern productions bump against. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • The automation of jobs by AI could lead to widespread unemployment and economic inequality, leaving many people feeling powerless and without purpose.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.
    Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The intention was clear: Everyone was about to process some deeply felt emotion.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The intention is that participating companies will place the appropriate Accessible Games Initiative tags near their game product information – for example on digital storefronts, product pages or digital catalogues.
    Andy Robertson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Unique, however, is resolute and reveals a personal betrayal.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Even many Republicans who bristled at the tens of billions of dollars in aid packages that Congress approved for Ukraine were resolute that Russia and Vladimir V. Putin, its president, were the aggressors in the conflict.
    Karoun Demirjian, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Crosby’s line was on the ice for three goals against in the first period.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The Universal Service Fund was established by the FCC after Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with the goal of ensuring communication systems are available nationwide.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 26 Mar. 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
  • The tech giant—now named Meta—seems determined to make this happen itself.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Isolated from her team (and her infant son Nico), Meyers Taylor was determined to control her situation.
    Tim Genske, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Reviewing that report and asking critical questions about how resources are allocated between men's and women's sport is something that any interested party can do.
    Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Fans interested in buying tickets will need to sign up for the band’s presale on Ticketmaster.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Growing football in his home town is a long-term plan, but in the immediate future Richard is fixed on growing in English football with Palace.
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Implementing a proactive plan can help safeguard your career and stave off anxiety.​ Focus on these 7 actions.
    William Arruda, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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