intended
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for intended, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Planned or meant to happen, rather than accidental.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
meant
purposeful
Antonyms
How to use intended
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
intended effect
intended audience
as intended
The "fiancé" sense is old-fashioned or playful, not standard modern usage.
Frequently asked questions
What does “intended” mean?
The word “intended” means planned or meant to happen, rather than accidental. In plain terms, meant on purpose, or (older/playful use) one's husband- or wife-to-be.
How do you pronounce “intended”?
“Intended” is pronounced ihn-TEHN-dihd (/ɪnˈtɛndɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “intended” in a sentence?
Here is “intended” used in a sentence: “The joke didn't have its intended effect.”
What is the opposite of “intended”?
The opposite of “intended” — its antonyms — is unintended.
What part of speech is “intended”?
Depending on how it is used, “intended” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “intended” a common word?
“Intended” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “intended” have?
“Intended” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: planned or meant to happen, rather than accidental.
What is the difference between intended and unintended?
Intended means planned or meant to happen; unintended means happening by accident, without being planned. A speech's intended effect might be to inspire, while an unintended effect could be confusion. The two are opposites, marking the line between what someone aimed for and what merely occurred.
What is the difference between intended and intentional?
They overlap but differ in focus. 'Intended' points to what was meant or aimed at — the intended result. 'Intentional' stresses that an act was done deliberately, on purpose — an intentional act. One describes the goal in mind, the other the deliberate nature of the deed.
What is an example of 'intended' in a sentence?
'This message was intended for you' means the message was meant for you specifically, not sent by mistake. Other examples include 'the medicine is intended for adults' and 'the joke was intended as a compliment,' each showing what was planned or meant rather than accidental.
Does 'intended' have an old-fashioned meaning?
Yes. Used as a noun, 'one's intended' is a dated, slightly formal term for the person you are engaged to marry — your husband- or wife-to-be. Though rarely heard today, you may still meet it in older novels, as in 'he introduced his intended.'
