NYT Dictionary

INTENT

/ɪnˈtɛnt/
NounAdjectivein-TENTin-tent · 2 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Something that is intended.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

Existing since Middle English entente, from Old French entent or entente, ultimately from Latin intentus. Modified later in spelling to align more closely with the Latin word. Compare intention.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

purposeintentionaimdesignpurportspiritcaptiveabsorbedengrossedenwrapped

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 27 recorded puzzles:

+15 earlier appearances in the archive.

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.