aspire

1 of 2

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

aspirer

2 of 2

noun

aspir·​er

ə-ˈspī-rər, 

-ˈspī-ər-ər also a-

plural -s

: one that aspires

Synonyms of aspire

Verb

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

Examples of aspire in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

An aspiring comedy writer and an actor are unexpectedly reunited on the set of an intergalactic TV show, seven years after one of them disappeared without a word. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

The serious journalism Margaret aspires to do is splintering under our distrust of who controls the megaphones. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

Sacramento Credit Union’s WISH Program Sacramento Credit Union partners with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLB) to offer the Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) Program for aspiring homeowners. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026

These Canes are exactly what the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte FC should aspire to. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

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