Synonyms

bent on

Idioms

Also, bent upon. Determined, resolved, as in Jamie is bent on winning the math prize. This phrase, first recorded in 1762, always uses the past participle of the verb bend in the sense of “tend toward.”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Other prominent voices seem bent on convincing us that telework plays a significant negative factor in women’s career advancement.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

He survived waves of social change in Iran and multiple American administrations bent on undermining his rule.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

"The future belongs to those who innovate, and Israel and India are bent on innovation," Netanyahu said on Thursday, standing next to Modi.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

“Why are we so bent on keeping students from getting an education and giving back?”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2025

This diet he administered religiously, seemingly bent on moulding George and me in his image.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023