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 The company played with flexible workdays instead of rigid schedules, clearer windows for collaboration, simpler rules for meetings, better ways to share and document work, and more intentional reasons for coming together in person. — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 Maiava played one of his worst games as a Trojan, throwing two interceptions, though one was on a deflected pass, and taking multiple awful intentional grounding penalties. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Layering a vest under a blazer or coat in a similar, but not totally matching, hue can actually look even more intentional if styled well. — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026 McCaughey threw two incompletions before getting flagged for intentional grounding while being sacked by Michael Molnar. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intentional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional

Adjective

New consumer research suggests the shift is more deliberate, and more compatible with luxury growth, than early coverage implied.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Stop motion is such a deliberate practice, where every wrinkle is quite literally sculpted.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of deliberate

Adjective

Now, Tan-Gillespie is tasked with getting KFC’s American business back on track as the brand faces growing competition paired with more health-conscious and cash-strapped consumers.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
And while Kim tends to gravitate toward body-conscious silhouettes and plenty of skin, Kris has made a signature of sharp tailoring, statement accessories, and an unapologetic dose of flash.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of conscious

Adjective

The work that the private sector does with it and its British counterpart is voluntary and not required by law.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026
The offer follows a voluntary retirement program announced at Microsoft this past spring and 4,800 jobs cut in July.

— Ian Thomas,Colleen McKown, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

Meanwhile, al-Ali held several meetings with Saudi officers at the Defense Ministry in Riyadh to discuss the costs of transferring around 10,000 fighters, financial arrangements, additional benefits and their intended military tasks.

— Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Some estimate that 80% of projects fail to deliver intended value—and that many of these failures are attributed to leadership and organizational factors.

— Amanda Turcotte, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of intentional

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