intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl 

-ˈtench-nəl

1

: done by intention or design : intended

intentional damage

2

a

: of or relating to epistemological intention

b

: having external reference

intentionality

in-ˌten(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• conscious
• deliberate
• intended
• knowing
• purposeful
• purposive
• set
• voluntary
• willed
• willful
• wilful
• witting

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 charges were later amended to first-degree murder and child abuse - intentional, causing great harm. —Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2024

When in the office, Overholt suggests being intentional about getting face time with colleagues. —Natalie McCormick, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2024

Regarding the food choices, the Clippers were intentional about their offerings and wanted to ensure everything is cooked as fresh as possible. —Shane Young, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

By being intentional about giving feedback, managers can create environments where employees feel respected, valued and motivated to succeed. —Kip Holderness, Quartz, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈtench-nəl 

-ˈten-chən-ᵊl

: done by intention : not accidental

intentionally

-ˈtench-nə-lē 

-ˈten-chən-ᵊl-ē

adverb

Legal Definition

intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten-chə-nəl 

: done with intent

an intentional tort

intentional discrimination

intentionally adverb