1 intention | Definition of intention
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

intention

noun
in路​ten路​tion | \ in-藞ten(t)-sh蓹n How to pronounce intention (audio) \

Definition of intention

1 : a determination to act in a certain way : resolve
2 : import, significance
3a : what one intends to do or bring about
b : the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
4 : a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
5 : concept especially : a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
6 intentions plural : purpose with respect to marriage
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about intention

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for intention

intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal 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 intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness. the clear intent of the statute purpose suggests a more settled determination. being successful was her purpose in life design implies a more carefully calculated plan. the order of events came by accident, not design aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing. her aim was to raise film to an art form 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 object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need. his constant object was the achievement of pleasure objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable. their objective is to seize the oil fields goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship. worked years to reach her goals

Examples of intention in a Sentence

She announced her intention to run for governor. He seemed to think that I was trying to cause problems, but that was never my intention. He bought a dog with the intention of training it to attack intruders. He has good intentions, but his suggestions aren't really helpful.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

 When he was first introduced as a Clipper, Leonard was asked about his intentions for controlling his workload in the coming season. — Rob Mahoney, SI.com, "Top 100 NBA Players of 2020," 12 Sep. 2019 The gesture may also convince those suspicious of Huawei鈥檚 tech that the firm鈥檚 business intentions are hard-nosed. — The Economist, "Huawei may sell its 5G technology to a Western buyer," 11 Sep. 2019 Unlike people who call Bret Stephens a bedbug, the intention and effect of these campaigns is actually to silence dissent, criticism, and debate. — Libby Watson, The New Republic, "Breitbart News Is the Real Mustering of Digital Jacobins," 6 Sep. 2019 Quintero, a former mayor and council member, did not respond to requests about his intentions to run or not. — Lila Seidman, Glendale News-Press, "Field of candidates grows 6 months ahead of Glendale City Council election," 6 Sep. 2019 Being as venerable as Atwood is inevitably means you will be claimed by the world, and to be claimed by the world means having your work interpreted (and co-opted) by people whose intentions and ideas don鈥檛 always align with yours. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Challenge of Margaret Atwood," 5 Sep. 2019 Some items, such as affirming the city鈥檚 intention to limit the use of fossil fuels, are straight-forward, Caleb said. — oregonlive.com, "Portland mayor鈥檚 office considers new regulations on fossil fuels," 28 Aug. 2019 During the debate, China didn鈥檛 indicate its future intentions. — National Geographic, "African elephants can now only rarely be taken from the wild and sent to faraway zoos," 28 Aug. 2019 In 2011, the U.S. sent a robot into space with the intention to test it in high-risk environments. — Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, "Russia Just Sent This Creepy Robot Into Space," 22 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intention.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of intention

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for intention

intention

noun
How to pronounce intention (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of intention

: the thing that you plan to do or achieve : an aim or purpose

See the full definition for intention in the English Language Learners Dictionary

intention

noun
in路​ten路​tion | \ in-藞ten-sh蓹n How to pronounce intention (audio) \

Kids Definition of intention

1 : a determination to act in a particular way She announced her intention to run for president.
2 : an aim or plan It's his intention to win.

intention

noun
in路​ten路​tion | \ in-藞ten-ch蓹n How to pronounce intention (audio) \

Medical Definition of intention

1 : a determination to act in a certain way

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!