intentionally

adverb

in·​ten·​tion·​al·​ly in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce intentionally (audio)
-ˈtench-nə-lē
Synonyms of intentionallynext
: in an intentional manner : with awareness of what one is doing : purposely
an intentionally vague response
The witness intentionally gave misleading answers to the questions.
The test is intentionally designed to trick students.

Synonyms of intentionally

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Examples of intentionally in a Sentence

the witness intentionally gave misleading answers to the questions
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The suit alleged that Meta designed Instagram with intentionally addictive features and exposed younger users to serious mental harm while misleading the public about the platform’s safety. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 California was among dozens of states that sued Meta in 2023, alleging in a lawsuit that the social media giant intentionally designed harmful and addictive features to hook children while misleading the public about the dangers. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The payout is part of a massive multistate settlement resolving claims that Meta intentionally designed its products to be addictive and knowingly exposed young people to mental harm. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026 The settlement The state attorneys general had accused Meta of intentionally designing features — such as an infinitely scrolling feed, algorithmic recommendations and frequent notifications — to hook kids and teens. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intentionally

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intentionally was circa 1673

Rhymes for intentionally

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Browse Nearby Words

intentionality
intentionally
intentional object
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Cite this Entry

“Intentionally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intentionally. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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