INTENT Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'intent' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intent are aim , design , end , goal , intention , objective , object , and purpose . While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness. // the clear intent of the statute

Q: When can 'aim' be used instead of 'intent'?

In some situations, the words aim and intent are roughly equivalent. However, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing. // her aim was to raise film to an art form

Q: In what contexts can 'design' take the place of 'intent'?

While the synonyms design and intent are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan. // the order of events came by accident, not design

Q: When could 'end' be used to replace 'intent'?

The words end and intent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'goal' instead of 'intent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to intent , goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship. // worked years to reach her goals

Q: When would 'intention' be a good substitute for 'intent'?

Although the words intention and intent have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about. // announced his intention to marry

Q: How do 'object' and 'end' relate to one another, in the sense of 'intent'?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need. // his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Q: Where would 'objective' be a reasonable alternative to 'intent'?

The meanings of objective and intent largely overlap; however, objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable. // their objective is to seize the oil fields

Q: When might 'purpose' be a better fit than 'intent'?

The words purpose and intent can be used in similar contexts, but purpose suggests a more settled determination. // being successful was her purpose in life

intent 1 of 2

noun

in-ˈtent

Definition of intent next

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings; that wasn't my intent

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as in intention

the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action the wording was a little unclear, but I think I grasped the intent

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intent

2 of 2

adjective

as in resolute

fully committed to achieving a goal intent on finishing her sculpture in time for the group show

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as in focused

having the mind fixed on something he was so intent on his work that he didn't hear the dog bark

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intent are aim, design, end, goal, intention, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When can aim be used instead of intent?

In some situations, the words aim and intent are roughly equivalent. However, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

In what contexts can design take the place of intent?

While the synonyms design and intent are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When could end be used to replace intent?

The words end and intent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use goal instead of intent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intent, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When would intention be a good substitute for intent?

Although the words intention and intent have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of intent?

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

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Where would objective be a reasonable alternative to intent?

The meanings of objective and intent largely overlap; however, objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intent?

The words purpose and intent can be used in similar contexts, but purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

Examples 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 intent

Noun

This official offered a solution to an unidentified drone: Zap it, put in a bag and exploit it for clues about its origin and intent. —

Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024 A week later, federal officials announced their intent to close the prison, leading to the transfer of more than 600 inmates to facilities across the nation. —

Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2024

Adjective

For now, most Syrians in Europe are intent on celebrating the fall of a regime that had seemed unshakable as recently as a month ago. —

Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024 As a high-school student in 1990s Tampa, Florida, Viren falls under the sway of her charismatic teacher Dr. Whiles, who is intent on pushing his students to question the nature of the truth. —

Tajja Isen, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent

Noun

Paul’s purpose is to make the world a better place.

Paul Klein, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Many theories exist as to the original purpose of Stonehenge, including a burial site, astronomical observatory, religious or worship site, some sort of gesture or symbol, or a place of ritual or healing.

Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024

Definition of purpose

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“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

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Last Updated: 25 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of intent

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