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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
Since then, humanitarian aid – aimed at funding urgent needs through non-profit organizations and bypassing government control – filled some of the gap. Alysha Bibi, CNN Money, 19 July 2025 The benefit raised over $125 million for hunger relief aimed at Africa. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
The aim is to create a robust system that can operate autonomously, navigate tough terrain and adapt to changing conditions. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025 When no answers appeared, the search for Amy went off the boat and toward countless possibilities — drugs, illicit romance, murder, even human trafficking — all with the aim of answering her family’s all-consuming questions. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • But what to do about all of the votes cast the first week or two?
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The new Superman casts questions of power, romance, and decency against a very traditional comic book setting, and so does All Superheroes Need PR.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Every one of his 70-odd dishes is intended to complement drink, not the other way around.
    Derek Sandhaus, Saveur, 10 July 2025
  • The pop culture phenomenon features documentaries, educational programming and entertainment shows intended to celebrate and explore the biology, behavior and importance of sharks within marine ecosystems.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • My goal was to make everyone feel connected to her legacy and vitality.
    Matt Abrahams, Time, 12 July 2025
  • The club had allowed just two second-half goals at home all season before Ponce’s brace on Saturday.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Authentic Indian Collaboration, Not Cultural Appropriation Shot in Mumbai and creatively directed by Indiana Vos, Songs of Siren's latest campaign serves as a vibrant love letter to India's rich textile traditions.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The film, directed by Cody Jarrett and in the works since 2017, is narrated by Margaret Cho and includes interviews with John Waters, Dita Von Teese, Pamela Des Barres, Ted V. Mikels, original FPKK and Russ Meyer cast members and Satana’s two daughters.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Harkins plans to open a second BackLot at Verrado Marketplace, a shopping mall being built in Buckeye.
    Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
  • By the end of 2025, CATL plans to have 1,000 stations across 31 cities.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
  • As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Tonight the castle was lit up like a movie set with klieg lights and scores of Cinecittà extras vamping as cardinals.
    Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Marie Nino, a professional hairstylist based in New York City, recommends Virtue Flourish’s shampoo and conditioner set for reinforcing strands without leaving them feeling coated or crunchy.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • It is hoped none has the problems that beset the apartments on Sycamore Drive.
    Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • But McBurney hopes to be an inspiration for anyone in the blind community who doubts their ability to achieve success due to visual impairments.
    Ramal Nasim Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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