EN

Synonyms for intention

  • noun

Most common

intent purpose aim thought

All synonyms

Noun

1. Intent — A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object or a purpose (an intent); closeness of application…

intent, purpose, aim, thought, plan, idea, mind, goal, design, ambition, will, meaning, end, cause, object, study, resolution, view, function, drift, import

Antonyms

chance, fluke, accident

All antonyms of intention →

Definitions

  1. n. 1

    A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object or a purpose (an intent); closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.

Related words

Word family
intentional intend intent

Forms

Plural
intentions → intents, purposes, aims, thoughts…

Choose the right word

Intention, Aspiration, Aims, Endeavor, Design or Purpose?

Aspiration applies to what are viewed as noble aims; endeavor, design, intention, purpose, indifferently to the best or worst.

J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)

Example sentences

  • goal It is not the goal but the way there that matters.
  • purpose What is the main purpose of your studying English?
  • aim I aim to address any misconceptions he might have.
  • intent Diego was following Melissa with malicious intent.

Popularity over time

Word1850 → 2019Trend
intentionsteady
goalrising
purposefalling
aimsteady
intentsteady

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

3 letters
end1, aim1
4 letters
will1, idea3, mind1, plan1, view1, goal1
5 letters
cause1, study2, drift1
6 letters
design2, object2, intent2, import2
7 letters
thought1, purpose2, meaning2
8 letters
function2, ambition3
10 letters
resolution4

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (idea3 = 3 syllables).

In other languages

Français
intention
Català
intenció