Synonym Chooser

How is the word intentional different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of intentional are deliberate, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is deliberate a more appropriate choice than intentional?

The words deliberate and intentional are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

In what contexts can voluntary take the place of intentional?

Although the words voluntary and intentional have much in common, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

When could willing be used to replace intentional?

In some situations, the words willing and intentional are roughly equivalent. However, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

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 intentional But as long as their young players see the floor consistently and take their lumps, the long intentional rebuild in Washington might bear fruit, especially defensively. Law Murray, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 Saldívar had pleaded not guilty to murder during her arraignment, with her lawyer claiming the shooting was not intentional and Saldívar was actually trying to shoot herself. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025 The detectives were unable to determine whether Jackie Greer's shooting was intentional or an accident, according to the release. Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2025 Filed in court on Friday with the California Civil Rights department, Lively’s legal complaint also lists accusations of retaliation, negligence, breach of contract, and intentional infliction of emotional distress among other claims. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intentional 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional
Adjective
  • And then there’s the human factor; Cal Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, estimates more than 90% of wildfires are caused by humans, whether through carelessness, deliberate ignitions or infrastructure failures.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The Pillars of Empowering Leadership Empowering leadership requires deliberate effort and a mindset that nurtures collaboration and growth.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This vivacious transit — igniting your socially conscious 11th house of friendship, community affairs and future aspirations — invites you to make new connections and focus on your long-term goals.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
  • But there seems to be more of a conscious effort to slow down, and truly disconnect than ever before.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the department's typical course of action is to negotiate voluntary settlements rather than pursue extreme measures such as revoking federal funding.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • New laws could also formally require AI labs to share information with the U.K. government, replacing the voluntary agreements that currently exist.
    Billy Perrigo, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump’s new filing was signed by D. John Sauer, his intended nominee to become U.S. solicitor general, who represents the administration before the Supreme Court.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Well, Kendrick Bourne stopped his crossing route right in front of intended target Hunter Henry on Maye’s first sack, which forced Maye to hold the ball and killed a promising opening drive.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near intentional

Cite this Entry

“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intentional. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intentional

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