Synonyms for intention
ɪnˈtɛn ʃənin·ten·tion

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.2 / 5 votes

1. intention

   The aim is the direction in which one shoots, or sometimes that which is aimed at. The mark is that at which one shoots; the goal, that toward which one runs. All alike indicate the direction of endeavor. The end is the point at which one expects or hopes to close his labors; the object, that which he would grasp as the reward of his labors. Aspiration, design, endeavor, purpose, referring to the mental acts by which the aim is attained, are often used as interchangeable with aim. Aspiration applies to what are viewed as noble aims; endeavor, design, intention, purpose, indifferently to the best or worst. Aspiration has less of decision than the other terms; one may aspire to an object, and yet lack the fixedness of purpose by which alone it can be attained. Purpose is stronger than intention. Design especially denotes the adaptation of means to an end; endeavor refers to the exertions by which it is to be attained. One whose aims are worthy, whose aspirations are high, whose designs are wise, and whose purposes are steadfast, may hope to reach the goal of his ambition, and will surely win some object worthy of a life's endeavor. Compare AMBITION; DESIGN.

   Synonyms:
   aim, aspiration, design, determination, end, end, endeavor, endeavor, goal, inclination, intent, mark, object, purpose, tendency

   Antonyms:
   aimlessness, avoidance, carelessness, heedlessness, neglect, negligence, oversight, purposelessness, thoughtlessness

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:2.8 / 5 votes

1. purpose, intent, intention, aim, designnoun

   an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

   "his intent was to provide a new translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs"; "he made no secret of his designs"

   Synonyms:
   objective, use, design, determination, aim, designing, figure, role, purport, function, excogitation, conception, pattern, spirit, blueprint, object, intent, invention, target, innovation, bearing, purpose, plan, heading

2. intentionnoun

   (usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage proposal

   "his intentions are entirely honorable"

   Synonyms:
   purpose, design, aim, intent

3. intentionnoun

   an act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out

   "my intention changed once I saw her"

   Synonyms:
   purpose, design, aim, intent

Matched Categories

1. • Goal
   • Volition

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. intentionnoun

   Synonyms:
   design, purpose, INTENT

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. intentionnoun

   Synonyms:
   design, plan, purpose, aim

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "intention":

   intent, intended, purpose, aim, 'intention, faith, intend, desire, intentions, objective, willingness, goal, plan, attempt, wish

How to pronounce intention?

How to say intention in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use intention in a sentence?

1. Seneca:

   The spirit in which a thing is given determines that in which the debt is acknowledged it's the intention, not the face-value of the gift, that's weighed.

2. Roger Baldwin:

   The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.

3. Ralph Waldo Emerson:

   A good intention clothes itself with power.

4. An Orange spokesman:

   Now...we have the capacity to terminate this contract in the future, our intention is to terminate the contract. Our intention is as soon as possible from a contractual point of view and preserving our interests of course, our intention is to withdraw Orange brand from Israel.

5. Barry Roux:

   There was no intention to act unlawfully, that was the judge's findings. If there is an absence of illegality then dolus eventualis is not relevant. He lacked the intention of illegality, therefore he couldn't have committed murder.