Intention — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /in-ˈten(t)-shən/ in·ten·tion

Meaning & Definition of Intention

Intention (noun)

  1. what one intends to do or bring about
  2. the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
  3. a determination to act in a certain way, resolve

Intention (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

    "her intention is to climb the highest peak in each of the 50 states"

    similar: aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, goal, idea, ideal, intent, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, thing, name of the game
    related: grail, holy grail, plot, project, scheme, desire, hope, mind, wish, nirvana, destination, terminus
    near: means, method, way

  2. the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action

    "she was uncertain of the intention of his frantic gesturing"

    similar: content, denotation, drift, import, intent, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification
    related: connotation, clue, cue, hint, implication, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion, message, tenor, theme, bottom, essence, essentiality, nature, soul, spirit, stuff, acceptance, acceptation, definition, burden, crux, gist, core, heart, kernel, marrow, nub, nucleus, pith, point, quick, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Intention

The most common words with a similar meaning to Intention:

aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, goal, idea, ideal, intent, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, thing, content, denotation, drift, import, purport, sense, significance, signification, name of the game

Related Words for Intention

grail, holy grail, plot, project, scheme, desire, hope, mind, wish, nirvana, destination, terminus, connotation, clue, cue, hint, implication, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion, message, tenor, theme, bottom, essence, essentiality, nature, soul, spirit

Near Antonyms of Intention

means, method, way

Origin & Etymology of Intention

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Intention

Words & Phrases Containing Intention

have every intention of, have no intention of

Frequently Asked Questions about Intention

What does "Intention" mean?

"Intention" means what one intends to do or bring about. As a noun, it is defined as: what one intends to do or bring about. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Intention"?

Other words for "Intention" include aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end and goal. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Intention" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Intention"?

There are 81 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Intention". Common alternatives include aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, goal, idea and ideal.

How do you use "Intention" in a sentence?

Examples of "Intention" in a sentence: "her intention is to climb the highest peak in each of the 50 states"; "she was uncertain of the intention of his frantic gesturing".

Is "Intention" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Intention" is a noun.

Is "Intention" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Intention" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Intention"?

"Intention" is pronounced /in-ˈten(t)-shən/ and divided into syllables as in·ten·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Intention"?

First known use: 14th century.