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 Houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, with their appearances carefully regulated by a review board, serve as proof of intentional preservation efforts. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026 By this year’s All-Star Weekend, the approach was far more intentional. — Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 For most, this looked like accountability and growth, intentional connection, mutual respect and safety. — Rin Reczek, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 The series creator, Callie Khouri, was intentional about her decision to make Nashville a platform for such important discussions, well beyond the entertainment value. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intentional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional

Adjective

Others are just as deliberate about avoiding the front lines, gravitating toward technical or support specialties where the likelihood of direct combat is lower, but translating those skills to a civilian job may be smoother.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Indeed, both candidates prefer the hard work of actually governing over performative posturing, modeling a deliberate rejection of the political fringes.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of deliberate

Adjective

Sivan, meanwhile, makes the conscious decision to play a side character in his own song.

— Walden Green, Pitchfork, 14 Aug. 2026
Of course, as scholars like Winters wrote, this kind of oligarchy-hiding-in-plain-sight was part of the package of modern oligarchy—a kind of conscious cloaking that helped these figures rise in the first place, without any kind of public pushback.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of conscious

Adjective

State Medicaid programs have a parallel, voluntary pathway to adopt similar pricing under a model known as BALANCE.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
EmpCo prohibits companies from displaying voluntary sustainability labels unless they were established by a public authority or are based on a qualifying certification scheme.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

As the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, the movie can be experienced at BFI IMAX in its intended presentation, screened from a rare IMAX 70mm print.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
There's an intended fence on top of the K-rail; people will cut the K-rail.

— Laurie Perez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of intentional

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