INTENTIONAL Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'intentional' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of intentional are deliberate , voluntary , and willing . While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved. // the intentional concealment of vital information

Q: When is 'deliberate' a more appropriate choice than 'intentional'?

The words deliberate and intentional are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences. // deliberate acts of sabotage

Q: In what contexts can 'voluntary' take the place of 'intentional'?

Although the words voluntary and intentional have much in common, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion. // a voluntary confession

Q: When could 'willing' be used to replace 'intentional'?

In some situations, the words willing and intentional are roughly equivalent. However, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another. // willing obedience

intentional

adjective

in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl

Definition of intentional

as in deliberate

made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing I'm fairly sure that your "accidental" cutting down of my rosebush was really intentional

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How is the word intentional different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of intentional are deliberate, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is deliberate a more appropriate choice than intentional?

The words deliberate and intentional are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

In what contexts can voluntary take the place of intentional?

Although the words voluntary and intentional have much in common, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

When could willing be used to replace intentional?

In some situations, the words willing and intentional are roughly equivalent. However, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of intentional That said, the decision to enter Sephora at Kohl’s with its bestselling complexion product first was intentional; foundation is the brand’s sweet spot. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 Framed Gravel Gravel is a low-cost and easy option for garden pathways that still delivers impressive, intentional results. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 In every Patina location, experiences evolve, deepen, and resonate differently with each individual, encouraging a more intentional way of living and traversing the globe. — Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 The approach also removes the need for intentional doping to create the balancing charge. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intentional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional

Adjective

What The Band Has Done Well The pacing was patient, and that patience appears deliberate.

— Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The encounter affirmed that things were falling into place, Lee said, adding that moments like that must be accompanied by deliberate and strategic work.

— April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of deliberate

Adjective

The usual crowd here, though, is the design-conscious traveler, along with couples looking for more character than the usual glass-tower Tokyo hotel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
As surgeons worked behind her ear, Peasley listened to the music and remained conscious throughout the procedure.

— Marlee Ginter, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of conscious

Adjective

The center had been a free, voluntary resource for state, local, tribal and territorial election office employees to receive the latest intelligence how bad actors are targeting election infrastructure.

— Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
Yolanda Marodi previously pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of an estranged partner in 2003 and served roughly a decade in prison.

— Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

Three shooters unloaded 18 rounds at the black Escalade in which Robinson rode with his cousin and the intended target — Tyquian Bowman, a rapper known as Quando Rondo.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
SwRI’s new toy for sCO₂ testing Their job is to control where and how quickly CO₂ enters the rock formation, prevent unwanted fluids moving around the well, and generally keep the reservoir behaving as intended.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of intended

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intention

intentional

intentionally

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“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intentional. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of intentional

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