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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

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 Commerce Department on Thursday announced its intent to explore proposing a rule to secure the technology and supply chain of drones from foreign adversaries, including the potential ability of China and Russia to remotely access and manipulate the devices. Luke Barr, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2025 Whether the attacks were related or not, both targets may speak volumes about the attackers’ political intent and thought processes. Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
The law applies specifically if there is intent to cause serious emotional distress to the person that is depicted in the image. Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025 Like a dutiful student who’s done his homework, the documentary is intent on showing its audience just how much research on Fuller was done. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • Plus, headbands serve a practical purpose too by keeping your hair out of your face.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Business Sustainability And The Rule Of 40 The purpose of taking a fresh look at existing technology vendors is to measure the short-term financial stability and long-term viability of fintech partners.
    Chris Perry, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The journalist has shared her intentions to launch a wellness app and host retreats.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • With Fubo’s lawsuit now complete, Venu has signaled intentions to launch, possibly as soon as this spring.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • After a young man is possessed in a séance by the spirits of kamikaze pilots: His usual rather weak features had taken on a manly, resolute look.
    Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
  • This counts as revelatory for Schauffele, an admission of something other than resolute strength for a 31-year-old who walks the course with a confident swagger.
    Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • By addressing these complexities head-on, women can not only achieve their goals but also inspire future generations to break down barriers and redefine success on their own terms.
    Danielle Correia, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Farrell said one of his foundation’s goals is access to affordable housing for the disabled.
    Alexis Christoforous, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Some 12,000 structures — buildings and cars — have been destroyed so far, and with them many tons of property of all levels of sentimental meaning.
    Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Instead, the meaning of the conceit is left in the hands of the audience.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Thousands of miles away from their home in Philadelphia, Sara is determined to keep heading westward to meet Devin’s father in the California town of Crook Springs.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
  • But his usual determined and diligent work led to an August 2024 return with impressive results, albeit in a relief/opener role, where he was limited to two innings and didn’t throw more than 38 pitches in an outing.
    Marc Topkin, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Investors were not at all interested in a product centered around mental health, and this made the Calm app a hard sell.
    Renée Onque,Mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Most cats would generally just be interested in observing a tortoise rather than wanting to do it harm.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • That was an initial fear among some when the plan was first mooted, as a good run in Europe — and especially reaching the group stages — can be worth millions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
  • But New York based its plan on London's, which rolled out in 2003.
    Mo Rocca, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near intent

Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intent

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