intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl How to pronounce intentional (audio)
-ˈtench-nəl
1
: done by intention or design : intended
intentional damage
2
a
: of or relating to epistemological intention
b
: having external reference
intentionality noun
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 The lawsuit claims deprivation of liberty interest and bodily integrity, wrongful death, battery and assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, gross negligence and loss of consortium. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 And that return to form is intentional after his experience. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024 An intentional fire set in a school bus full of minors presents an unacceptable risk to those minors and the community at large. Eric Levenson, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 Personalize Connection Requests Be intentional with your connection requests. Rachel Wells, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 This is a very intentional casting of choosing the best actors and actresses. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 28 Feb. 2024 Robson, a choreographer and director, and Safechuck, a writer, actor and director, sued MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures for negligence, breach of duty and intentional infliction of emotional distress in separate lawsuits in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2024 Elegant and timeless, the home’s dark hues and rugged textures were intentional and inspired by Hawaii’s volcanic landscape, and the interiors blend midcentury modern and Hawaii-style Polynesian influences. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2024 Berna says that archeologists have identified intentional burn pits from around 10000 B.C.E to 8000 B.C.E. that were filled with ash and likely served as a village crematorium. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intentional.' 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

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intentional was circa 1677

Dictionary Entries Near intentional

Cite this Entry

“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intentional. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intentional

adjective
in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈtench-nəl How to pronounce intentional (audio)
-ˈten-chən-ᵊl
: done by intention : not accidental
intentionally
-ˈtench-nə-lē How to pronounce intentional (audio)
-ˈten-chən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

Legal Definition

intentional

adjective
in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten-chə-nəl How to pronounce intentional (audio)
: done with intent
an intentional tort
intentional discrimination
intentionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on intentional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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