aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(-ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

intransitive verb

1

: to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal

She aspired to a career in medicine.

2

: ascend, soar

aspirer noun

Synonyms of aspire

• intend
• plan
• hope
• mean
• aim
• wish
• go

Examples of aspire in a Sentence

aspire to great deeds, and you have a better chance of doing good deeds

a tower aspiring towards the heavens

Recent Examples on the Web

These aspiring writers could submit their manuscript to the Scott Meredith Literary Agency—for a fee. —Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

In a similar manner, Liquid aspires to be more than a hub for exchanging crypto. —Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

Meryl Streep, who plays the demanding fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly in the-now franchise, and Anne Hathaway, who plays the young aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, both publicly demured on a sequel for years. —Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026

If calling a politician an aspiring authoritarian is tantamount to inciting their murder, then doing so is irresponsible even if the charge is true. —Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aspirer, from Latin aspirare, literally, to breathe upon, from ad- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aspire

• admire
• afire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire
• haywire
• hellfire
• inquire
• inspire
• newswire
• perspire
• rehire

Kids Definition

aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

: to work to get something high or great

aspirer noun