intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl 

-ˈtench-nəl

1

: done by intention or design : intended

intentional damage

2

a

: of or relating to epistemological intention

b

: having external reference

intentionality

in-ˌten(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• conscious
• deliberate
• intended
• knowing
• purposeful
• purposive
• set
• voluntary
• willed
• willful
• wilful
• witting

Choose the Right Synonym for intentional

voluntary, intentional, deliberate, willing mean done or brought about of one's own will.

voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

Examples of intentional in a Sentence

an intentional and premeditated killing

I apologize for the omission of your name from the list. It was not intentional.

Recent Examples on the Web

Filed in court on Friday with the California Civil Rights department, Lively’s legal complaint also lists accusations of retaliation, negligence, breach of contract, and intentional infliction of emotional distress among other claims. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Dec. 2024

There does seem to be a softer, feminine theme emerging in her style choices this year that may or may not be intentional. —Monique Jessen, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Another issue may stem from simple ignorance rather than intentional judgment. —Libby Ryan, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024

His efforts to get home leave the audience in constant dread, which was intentional on McQueen’s part and in Hans Zimmer’s score. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈtench-nəl 

-ˈten-chən-ᵊl

: done by intention : not accidental

intentionally

-ˈtench-nə-lē 

-ˈten-chən-ᵊl-ē

adverb

Legal Definition

intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten-chə-nəl 

: done with intent

an intentional tort

intentional discrimination

intentionally adverb