intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce intentional (audio)
Synonyms of intentional
1
: done by intention or design : intended
intentional damage
2
a
: of or relating to epistemological intention
b
: having external reference
intentionality
in-ˌten(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce intentional (audio)
noun

Synonyms of intentional

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voluntary, intentional, deliberate, willing mean done or brought about of one's own will.

voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

Examples of intentional in a Sentence

an intentional and premeditated killing I apologize for the omission of your name from the list. It was not intentional.
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.
The rug anchors the space, so trading it out often makes an existing sofa feel more intentional and tied into the rest of the furniture. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 Whether intentional or unintentional, the creation of new space debris by future space missions must be minimized as much as possible. — David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The current design conversation is reframing them as intentional styling tools, which should push manufacturers toward better fabrics, cleaner fits and broader color ranges. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Whether the naps were intentional also appeared to play a role. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intentional

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intentional was circa 1677

Rhymes for intentional

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Browse Nearby Words

intention
intentional
intentional fallacy
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Cite this Entry

“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intentional. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intentional

adjective
in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈtench-nəl How to pronounce intentional (audio)
-ˈten-chən-ᵊl
: done by intention : not accidental
intentionally
-ˈtench-nə-lē How to pronounce intentional (audio)
-ˈten-chən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

Legal Definition

intentional

adjective
in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten-chə-nəl How to pronounce intentional (audio)
: done with intent
an intentional tort
intentional discrimination
intentionally adverb
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