Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intention are aim, design, end, goal, intent, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

When is aim a more appropriate choice than intention?

The synonyms aim and intention are sometimes interchangeable, but aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When can design be used instead of intention?

The words design and intention are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

Where would end be a reasonable alternative to intention?

Although the words end and intention have much in common, 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 would goal be a good substitute for intention?

In some situations, the words goal and intention are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When is it sensible to use intent instead of intention?

While in some cases nearly identical to intention, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

How are the words object and end related as synonyms of intention?

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

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

In what contexts can objective take the place of intention?

The words objective and intention can be used in similar contexts, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intention?

While the synonyms purpose and intention are close in meaning, 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 intention Family, friends, and organizations may also begin setting money aside with the intention of contributing it to the account in the individual's name as of January 1. CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025 Even the industry is unsure about Apple's streaming intentions. Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025 Ukraine agreed to the ceasefire proposal at its meeting with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia but is skeptical about Russia's true intentions. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 James then went to Dick's bedroom with the intention of raping her but instead stabbed her more than 20 times with two different knives. Landon Mion, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Lawmakers rejected an amendment to preserve the opt-out, making their intent clear: to strip families of control over these lessons.
    Justin Kuk, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 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 United States, which submitted its goal already in 2024 accounts for more than 11% of global emissions.
    Nils Rokke, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Named for Joséphine Bonaparte, the first wife of Napoleon, who was known for her sophisticated sense of fashion and patronage of the arts, this first-floor suite has a king-size bed, a separate dressing room, and a living area perfect for lounging around.
    Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Harrison, too, expressed a sense that the odds were stacked against her, and getting worse all the time.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Implementing a proactive plan can help safeguard your career and stave off anxiety.​ Focus on these 7 actions.
    William Arruda, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Schumer has received backlash since helping to avert a government shutdown by aiding the Republicans in passing their stopgap spending plan over the objection of the majority of his fellow Democratic Senators and House Democrats.
    Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 23 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
Noun
  • The aim is to keep winning in the FA Cup, too, with a trip to Fulham next Saturday standing in the way of a semi-final at Wembley.
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The aim was to boost safety and reduce car crash casualties, but part of the road to introducing further automation into cars.
    Nicole Kobie, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Moving forward, as the retailer begins to close its doors and the accessibility of in-person fabric shopping dwindles, the role of the content creator will become increasingly necessary as in-person assistance declines.
    Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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