intend

verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend How to pronounce intend (audio)
intended; intending; intends
Synonyms of intend

transitive verb

1
a
: to have in mind as a purpose or goal : plan
b
: to design for a specified use or future
2
a
: signify, mean
b
: to refer to
3
: to direct the mind on
4
archaic : to proceed on (a course)

intransitive verb

archaic : set out, start
intender noun

Synonyms of intend

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Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect. We intended that she come with us.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Gen 4 is also designed to add an Active Safety Mechanism intended to prevent thermal runaway by stabilizing electrode active materials at high temperatures. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 They are not intended to represent normal use and should not be attempted or replicated. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 Newcastle did not intend for their captain and tone-setter to move. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 The hearing was not intended to determine Robinson's guilt or innocence, but whether there is probable cause to believe Robinson had committed the crime. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intend

Word History

Etymology

Middle English entenden, intenden, from Anglo-French entendre, from Latin intendere to stretch out, direct, aim at, from in- + tendere to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of intend was in the 14th century

Rhymes for intend

See All Rhymes for intend

Browse Nearby Words

intemporal
intend
intendance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intend. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intend

verb
in·​tend in-ˈtend How to pronounce intend (audio)
: to have in mind as a purpose or aim : plan
intends to travel abroad next year

Legal Definition

intend

transitive verb
in·​tend in-ˈtend How to pronounce intend (audio)
: to have in one's mind as a purpose or goal
did not intend to kill her
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