Synonym Chooser

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
Adjective
  • This vivacious transit — igniting your socially conscious 11th house of friendship, community affairs and future aspirations — invites you to make new connections and focus on your long-term goals.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
  • But there seems to be more of a conscious effort to slow down, and truly disconnect than ever before.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the idea of displacement, voluntary or otherwise, is horrifying to Jordan and Egypt and likely alarming to other Arab allies of the US, threatening decades of international consensus about the right of Palestinians to a homeland.
    Tim Lister, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
  • In 1994, the N.C. Poultry Federation adopted voluntary guidelines that said poultry houses should not be built closer than 500 feet to an occupied residence.
    Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Three snaps after Daniels’ touchdown throw to McLaurin, Goff overthrew his intended target, and Martin intercepted it and took it to the end zone, putting the Commanders ahead 24-14.
    Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Fixed: Sometimes, free kick passes were not hit towards the intended receiver if the receiver was moving too quickly.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near intentional

Cite this Entry

“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intentional. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intentional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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