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Some common synonyms of intentional<\/em> are deliberate<\/em><\/a>, voluntary<\/em><\/a>, and willing<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"done or brought about of one's own will,\" intentional<\/em> stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.<\/p>

\/\/ the intentional<\/em> concealment of vital information<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'deliberate' a more appropriate choice than 'intentional'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words deliberate<\/em><\/a> and intentional<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate<\/em> implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.<\/p>

\/\/ deliberate<\/em> acts of sabotage<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'voluntary' take the place of 'intentional'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words voluntary<\/em><\/a> and intentional<\/em> have much in common, voluntary<\/em> implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.<\/p>

\/\/ a voluntary<\/em> confession<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'willing' be used to replace 'intentional'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words willing<\/em><\/a> and intentional<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, willing<\/em> implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.<\/p>

\/\/ willing<\/em> obedience<\/p>" } } ] }

intentional

adjective

in-ˈten(t)-shÉ™-nᵊl How to pronounce intentional (audio)
Definition of intentionalnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Instead of leaning into overly literal Western looks, stylists say the shift is toward something more intentional and elevated. —Katie Ann Lehman, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2026 Robby’s pivot is, of course, intentional, a way for The Pitt to highlight how burnout flattens committed frontline workers into people who simply can’t do it anymore. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026 That’s exactly where the butter mom philosophy steps in, not as a judgment on any personal health decision, but as an intentional framework for what eating looks and feels like inside your home. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026 Baggy jeans and an oversized top give a relaxed air to an otherwise conventional look, just don't forget a leather belt to define the silhouette and keep things looking intentional, not sloppy. —Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional
  1. deliberate
  2. conscious
  3. voluntary
  4. intended
Adjective
  • Even so, the case is moving at a slow, deliberate pace that could stretch for months.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
  • But that’s clearly a deliberate choice, perhaps on the reasonable ground that there has been more than enough tabloidification of these two without a new opera adding grist.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of deliberate
Adjective
  • Australia has traditionally handled asylum negotiations behind closed doors, conscious that the public spotlight can ramp up pressure and bring dangers to potential refugees and their families.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • One victim was found semi-conscious near the area of the explosion, Robinson said.
    — Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of conscious
Adjective
  • Florida remains committed to longstanding constitutional protections for voluntary prayer and religious expression in our public schools.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
  • While starter home districts would circumvent communities’ larger lot restrictions, that very fact would seem to generally restrict their voluntary adoption in those circumstances.
    — Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of voluntary
Adjective
  • Just keep it a critical but limited portion (often capped at 10%) to allow your other, income-producing assets to still perform as intended.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Thomas Susman, who helped craft the 1974 FOIA amendments and currently assists the American Bar Association, wrote in 2005 that increasing delays and backlogs threatened FOIA’s intended purpose.
    — David Cuillier, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of intended

Browse Nearby Words

intention
intentional
intentionally
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Cite this Entry

“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intentional. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intentional

Nglish: Translation of intentional for Spanish Speakers

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