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aim

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun aim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aim are design, end, goal, intention, intent, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When is design a more appropriate choice than aim?

Although the words design and aim have much in common, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

Where would end be a reasonable alternative to aim?

While the synonyms end and aim are close in meaning, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When would goal be a good substitute for aim?

The words goal and aim can be used in similar contexts, but goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

In what contexts can intent take the place of aim?

The words intent and aim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When might intention be a better fit than aim?

In some situations, the words intention and aim are roughly equivalent. However, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How are the words object and end related as synonyms of aim?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

When can objective be used instead of aim?

The synonyms objective and aim are sometimes interchangeable, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When could purpose be used to replace aim?

While in some cases nearly identical to aim, purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of aim
Verb
Treatments like vitamin IVs, stem cell therapies, and myriad biometric tests aimed at creating individualized treatments are now par for the course at top resorts worldwide. Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 26 June 2025 Khamenei’s remarks appeared aimed more at projecting strength than reflecting reality. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
The aim is to stop the Iranian parliament’s attempt to nationalize the country’s lucrative oil industry. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 26 June 2025 The aim is to celebrate underrepresented talents from fashion, design, food, music, sport, cinema and elsewhere in hopes of furthering the diversity, equity and inclusion conversation globally. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • What was the process like for you, casting a film versus casting for photo shoots?
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
  • The broadcast will run from noon local time, and include commentary from Live Aid performers like Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp and cast members from the upcoming Live Aid musical Just For One Day.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • No, Squid Game was not intended to be three seasons.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Striped Button-downs Nautical stripes have been making major waves this summer (no pun intended), especially in the form of a breezy button-down top.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • After being shut out in the group stage opener, Man City's superstar Erling Haaland has caught fire, scoring a goal in each of their past two matches.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Our goals are to return to holding youth accountable for their actions while simultaneously providing them with the necessary resources and programming to get them back on track for success.
    Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The president directed federal agencies to stop issuing documents recognizing U.S. citizenship to children in those categories born after Feb. 19.
    June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
  • The board also approved a resolution creating the Healthy Green Schools Pilot Program, which directs CPS to invest in 12 clean energy projects by the end of fiscal year 2026.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Russo, a 24-year veteran of the FDNY, was planning to retire in a few months.
    Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
  • In especially timely news, Wintour announced last week her plans to down as American Vogue’s editor-in-chief after 37 years.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Users can examine the prompts and the chats that made those examples possible and even modify them for their own purposes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
  • The purpose of the grants is to address the climate crisis and various environmental harms at the local level.
    Tracy J. Wholf June 26, CBS News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The Mercury set a franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 17.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025
  • Indiana’s guards set their pick-up points in a more typical area closer to the 3-point line, which made most of their pick-and-roll coverages more effective.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • The app is still experimental, and the team is hoping to add more features, like Portrait mode, an Android app, and video recording.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 21 June 2025
  • Here’s hoping for more novels with Mrs. Blossom in the lead.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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