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

In that sense, universities should aspire to become learning organizations in the deepest possible meaning of the phrase. — David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

The singer plays a murderous aspiring actress in her new music video—with blood red hair. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 31 July 2026

During the program, aspiring influencers study how to grow their brand and create impactful posts across video, podcast, and social media platforms. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 31 July 2026

One who aspires to own their first designer piece, using their wedding as the opportunity to finally splurge. — CNN Money, 30 July 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