intend synonyms

intend

v.

  1. To have in mind as a purpose

    propose, plan, purpose, aim, expect, mean, be resolved to, be determined to, aspire to, have in view, hope to, contemplate, think, aim at, take into one's head; see also resolve 1.

  2. To destine for

    design, mean, devote to, reserve, appoint, purpose, set apart, aim at, aim for, have in view; see also assign 1, dedicate 2, designate 1.

  3. To mean

    indicate, signify, denote; see mean 1.

intend implies a having in mind of something to be done, said, etc. I intended to write you; mean, a more general word, does not connote so clearly a specific, deliberate purpose he always means well; design suggests careful planning in order to bring about a particular result their delay was designed to forestall suspicion; propose implies a clear declaration, openly or to oneself, of one's intention I propose to speak for an hour; purpose adds to propose a connotation of strong determination to effect one's intention he purposes to become a doctor

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.