intention

noun

in·​ten·​tion in-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce intention (audio)
1
a
: what one intends to do or bring about
b
: the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
2
: a determination to act in a certain way : resolve
3
intentions plural : purpose with respect to marriage
4
5
: a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
6
: concept
especially : a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
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.
Recent Examples on the Web Rarely in American history have two major parties had such wildly different intentions—and such similar levels of support. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 The Company disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, a future event, or otherwise. Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 Action rooted in wisdom and clarity propels us forward with purpose and intention. Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 After accusing her ex-fiancé Carl Radke — who’s been sober since January 2021 — of using cocaine on Thursday’s installment of the Bravo show, Hubbard, 37, clarified her intentions on her Instagram Story Friday. Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 No matter the number, the Nazis’ intention of what to do with the prisoners and slave laborers on the island seems clear. Claire Moses, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Some of Musk’s fans have noted the volume of investigations and sometimes suggested nefarious intentions. David Ingram, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024 In the end, don’t let good intentions get sidelined by bad communication or last-minute changes of plans. Melissa Willets, Parents, 28 Feb. 2024 Good intentions alone not enough, experts say Effective reparations, Brooks said, require more than good intentions; rhetoric has to be backed up with tangible actions focusing on those harmed. USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intention.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intention was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near intention

Cite this Entry

“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intention. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intention

noun
in·​ten·​tion in-ˈten-chən How to pronounce intention (audio)
1
: a determination to act in a certain way
2
: an intended goal : aim
3
: a person or purpose that is especially prayed for
4

Medical Definition

intention

noun
in·​ten·​tion in-ˈten-chən How to pronounce intention (audio)
1
: a determination to act in a certain way
2
: a process or manner of healing of incised wounds see first intention, second intention

Legal Definition

intention

noun
in·​ten·​tion in-ˈten-chən How to pronounce intention (audio)
: something intended : intent
the intention of the testator

Note: Intent is more commonly used than intention when speaking technically especially about the criminal and tort concepts of intent (senses 1a and 1b).

More from Merriam-Webster on intention

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