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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
The team aims to identify solutions to mitigate or eliminate environmental contaminants and risks through not only physical building improvements, but also by providing families and property owners and managers with tools and resources to create healthier spaces. Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 House aims to pass tax bill this week: What's in Trump's tax bill? Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 21 May 2025
Noun
In particular, malware presents a significant challenge because its goal is to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, often with the aim of exploiting money or information from the device's owner. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 The main aim is to start road-testing some new songs at festivals. Sophie Williams, Billboard, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • Clearly, Pantoliano was cast in this role before casting directors discovered his evil aura.
    Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 19 May 2025
  • By contrast, the March release of Snow White, with Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, in the lead, put Disney into a bit of a crisis mode amid a loud and emboldened right-wing casting backlash.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • What was intended to be a private moment became a raw, honest portrayal of the bittersweet reality of being far from home.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • The winery includes two unexpectedly salient attractions intended to enhance wine tourism in Azerbaijan.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Amid uncertainty over Trump’s sweeping tariffs, inflation eased to a four-year low in April, but is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Senate Bill 161 also requires the Regional Transportation District to align itself with state climate goals, establish worker-retention goals and develop ways to measure its progress on reaching those aims.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Please direct any questions to Chairman Barbara Tillman RPBCchairman@BentonCountyGOP.org.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • There are no federal executions currently scheduled, but last month, Bondi directed prosecutors to seek the death penalty for the first time during Trump’s second term.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The Miami-headquartered Restaurant Brands International (RBI) plans to spend up to $700 million through 2028 as part of its plan to revitalize Burger King.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Two Republican lawmakers confirmed to The Star that Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and House Republicans plan to meet Tuesday behind closed doors.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The food connoisseur knew her purpose was in the kitchen from an early age and has steadfastly surrendered to that journey ever since.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Hotel Laguna claims to be first hotel located on the famous Orange County beach, set along the Pacific Coast Highway, for over 125 years, according to its website.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The Menendez brothers move closer to freedom as Newsom drops clemency probes and sets a parole hearing.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • But the defense is hoping to cast her recollections merely as sickening details in a deranged love story between two consenting and jealous adults.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • But anyone hoping to hit the open road needs to know one thing: some drivers just aren't very nice, especially in certain states.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aim

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