intentional
Americanadjective
-
done with intention or on purpose; intended.
an intentional insult.
- Antonyms:
- accidental
-
of or relating to intention or purpose.
-
Metaphysics.
-
pertaining to an appearance, phenomenon, or representation in the mind; phenomenal; representational.
-
pertaining to the capacity of the mind to refer to an existent or nonexistent object.
-
pointing beyond itself, as consciousness or a sign.
-
adjective
-
performed by or expressing intention; deliberate
-
of or relating to intention or purpose
-
philosophy
-
of or relating to the capacity of the mind to refer to different kinds of objects
-
(of an object) existing only as the object of some mental attitude rather than in reality, as a unicorn in she hopes to meet a unicorn See also intensional
-
Synonym Usage
See deliberate.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of intentional
Explanation
Something intentional was done on purpose. If a crime was intentional, it was no accident. If you bump into your little brother in the hallway because you weren't paying attention, it's unintentional. But if wait for him to walk by and then stick out your foot to trip him, it's intentional. And not very nice. Usually we let people off the hook if they do something bad accidentally. But if your evil doings are premeditated, consciously planned, or otherwise intentional, no one will take much pity on you.
Vocabulary lists containing intentional
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Thirteen Reasons Why
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
By making intentional decisions aligned with your goals and values, leading an active social life and contributing to a cause that elevates your spirit, you’re bound to feel more happy and fulfilled.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
He was cleared of assault and intentional strangulation following a seven-day trial in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, in 2025.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026
“We were very intentional about the uncanny valley nature of this, so we made it intentionally abstract,” Dema says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026
Jordan’s carefully cultivated space looks like the result of very intentional planning and list making.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
“The intentional and callous nature of the crime is shocking and will not be tolerated in our community.”
From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
