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

The postcard, however, didn’t include any of that context, seemingly with the intent to cast Schutt as a hardened criminal. —

Kenny Torrella, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025 In another case, the way in which employee responses to DOGE’s Fork in the Road buyout offer to federal employees are collected could easily be manipulated by someone with malicious intent – a simple social engineering attack could wrongly end a worker’s employment. —

Richard Forno, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Some sports seem intent on consolidating seasons or shortening games while others are adding inventory or fostering spin-off competitions. —

Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 30 Jan. 2025 January 29, 2025 4 min read Trump seems intent on freezing out professional scientists, especially those with strong academic research backgrounds. —

Michael S. Lubell, Scientific American, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent

Noun

But that doesn’t seem to be the purpose of the record, which leans more heavily into fan service — a treat for those who’ve stayed loyal (or at least neutral) as Drake suffered the past year’s cavalcade of embarrassments.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025
The purpose is to drive economic diversity in Las Vegas, traditionally a town focused on a single industry: hospitality.

— Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025