adj
Uncommon
intentional
ihn-TEHN-shuh-nuhl
Intentional (adj) means Done deliberately, on purpose, rather than by accident. Example: “The delay was intentional, meant to give everyone extra time.”
adj
1
Done deliberately, on purpose, rather than by accident.
"The delay was intentional, meant to give everyone extra time."
"Was that comment intentional, or did it just slip out?"
"The chef's choice of strong spices was intentional, not a mistake."
How to use intentional
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone on purpose, not by accident.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
intentional act
entirely intentional
intentional design
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Word forms
- Plural
- intentionals
- Comparative
- more intentional
- Superlative
- most intentional
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The delay was _____, meant to give everyone extra time.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin intentionalis, built from "intention" + the adjective suffix "-al."
Synonyms
View more →
calculated
premeditated
planned
by design
knowing
purposeful
purposive
advertent
conscious
witting
on purpose
volitational
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for intentional
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
emotional
See all rhymes for intentional →
Frequently asked questions
What does “intentional” mean?
The word “intentional” means done deliberately, on purpose, rather than by accident. In plain terms, done on purpose, not by accident.
How do you pronounce “intentional”?
“Intentional” is pronounced ihn-TEHN-shuh-nuhl (/ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “intentional” in a sentence?
Here is “intentional” used in a sentence: “The delay was intentional, meant to give everyone extra time.”
What is another word for “intentional”?
Words with a similar meaning to “intentional” include purposeful, purposive, advertent, conscious, witting and on purpose.
What is the opposite of “intentional”?
The opposite of “intentional” — its antonyms — are unintentional, accidental and unwitting.
What part of speech is “intentional”?
“Intentional” is an adjective.
Where does the word “intentional” come from?
The word “intentional” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin intentionalis, built from "intention" + the adjective suffix "-al.".
Is “intentional” a common word?
“Intentional” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "intentional" and "deliberate"?
Intentional and deliberate are close synonyms, both describing actions done on purpose rather than by accident. Deliberate can carry a slightly stronger sense of careful thought or planning, while intentional simply emphasizes that the act was not accidental.
What is the opposite of "intentional"?
The opposite of intentional is accidental or unintentional, describing something that happens without planning or awareness. This distinction matters especially in legal and ethical contexts, where intent affects how an act is judged.
How is "intentional" used in phrases like "intentional living"?
In phrases like "intentional living" or "intentional parenting," the word describes making conscious, deliberate choices about how one acts rather than drifting through decisions by default. This popular usage extends the core meaning of purposeful action into lifestyle contexts.
