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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in focused

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example 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

All of that has made him, for all intents and purposes, the closest thing Gen Z has to 106th & Park or TRL, the erstwhile midday live-music shows that used to air on BET and MTV and were appointment viewing for any fans wanting updates on their favorite artists. —

Damien Scott, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2025 The Chiefs used the same action — a Mahomes designed rollout, with the intent to run, but the Plan B option to pass — in the Super Bowl. —

Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Olmo, however, appears intent on remaining in Catalonia. —

James McNicholas, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 Photo : Kevin Mazur for Getty Images; Panerai Morris Chestnut in a Panerai Luminor Presenter and actor in the CBS series Watson, Morris Chestnut was intent on standing out at the big event in a cherry red suit, tie, and shirt. —

Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent

Noun

Keeping your headphones on and listening to a favorite podcast or audiobook can serve the same purpose.

— Angela Haupt, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
Many fans have questioned the purpose of a TV reboot given the film franchise is pretty much perfect as is, but Columbus sees its worth.

— Zack Sharf, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025