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?

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use intention in a sentence?

1. Charge Will Salao:

   They were cited for a misdemeanor for selling alcohol without a license. they may be a complaint-driven agency, but we’re an intention-driven organization and our intentions are pure.

2. Roger Baldwin:

   The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.

3. President Biden:

   We believe that about 100 to 200 Americans remain in Afghanistan with some intention to leave, most of those who remain are dual citizens, long-time residents, but earlier decided to stay because of their family roots in Afghanistan.

4. Walter Lohman:

   The arrest of Jimmy Lai was a big deal, clearly meant to chill media freedom and to show no one is above this new law. But charging Samuel Chu, an American citizen living in the U.S., even though, of course, he will never be tried is a bigger deal, it demonstrates an intention to apply the law exterritoriality and thereby force critics to self-censor.

5. Albert Jay Nock:

   The State, both in its genesis and by its primary intention, is purely anti-social. It is not based on the idea of natural rights, but on the idea that the individual has no rights except those that the State may provisionally grant him. It has always made justice costly and difficult of access, and has invariably held itself above justice and common morality whenever it could advantage itself by so doing.