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

According to Borne, their outing aspired to highlight ongoing research into why babies are born prematurely, as premature birth is the leading cause of childhood mortality worldwide, and to accelerate advancements for safer pregnancies and healthier births. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

This new reality is the daily grind for Shivam Khatri, an aspiring actor in Mumbai. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025

The Film Forward International Competition Section presents the work of new, daring filmmakers who challenge our relationship with storytelling and aspire to renegotiate it through their debut or sophomore films, beyond the boundaries of film genres. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 9 Nov. 2025

What’s your advice for aspiring actors looking to get into the business? —Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025

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