INTENTIONAL Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'intentional' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of intentional are deliberate , voluntary , and willing . While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved. // the intentional concealment of vital information

Q: When is 'deliberate' a more appropriate choice than 'intentional'?

The words deliberate and intentional are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences. // deliberate acts of sabotage

Q: In what contexts can 'voluntary' take the place of 'intentional'?

Although the words voluntary and intentional have much in common, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion. // a voluntary confession

Q: When could 'willing' be used to replace 'intentional'?

In some situations, the words willing and intentional are roughly equivalent. However, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another. // willing obedience

intentional

adjective

in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl

Definition of intentional next

as in deliberate

made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing I'm fairly sure that your "accidental" cutting down of my rosebush was really intentional

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word intentional different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of intentional are deliberate, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is deliberate a more appropriate choice than intentional?

The words deliberate and intentional are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

In what contexts can voluntary take the place of intentional?

Although the words voluntary and intentional have much in common, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

When could willing be used to replace intentional?

In some situations, the words willing and intentional are roughly equivalent. However, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

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 intentional Historically, first ladies' outfits have carried intentional symbolism. —

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 That was intentional, as Johnson considered the dress’s second life in the Smithsonian exhibit when making her choice, according to the museum. —

Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025 Mindful of the land mines around establishing novel hunting seasons, and wincing over rejection of crane hunting on at least two previous occasions, promoters of the sandhill hunt were intentional about building stakeholder support for a season. —

Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Jan. 2025 Friendship experts say that people need to be intentional about setting aside time for in-person socializing. —

Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intentional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional

Adjective

Expository voids start to feel less like deliberate puzzles and more like messy oversights.

— Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
That is a tweak from when Dubravka deputised last season, suggesting a deliberate alteration, and the goalkeeper has looked far more assured because of it.

— Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025