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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
Advertisement Both projects aim to support victims and, if possible, to achieve justice. Robin Yassin-Kassab, Time, 17 Sep. 2025 This next step aims to definitively determine if chimpanzees preferentially seek out and consume alcohol-laden fruits. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
The accords’ real aim was security, recognition, and further integration, and this is what is fraying. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2025 The Bengals go as Burrow goes, and a looming absence — if surgery is required, Burrow could be out multiple months — would reshape Cincinnati’s aim of returning to the playoffs. Zak Keefer, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • The unfolding saga in the Kirk assassination investigation casts a spotlight on how past perpetrators of high-profile shootings had taken to Discord to announce their plans, ideate about committing mass violence, and at times coordinate logistics.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Tundidor cast the lone dissenting vote, holding firm on his call for a deeper, permanent tax cut over a one-time rebate.
    Veronica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The company on Wednesday also debuted the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses, intended for athletes who participate in high-intensity sports like snowboarding and mountain biking.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The flypast was intended to showcase the strength of UK-US defense ties with a coordinated aerial display.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The primary goal of these UBI pilots is to help individuals and families through a transition period.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Success comes from choosing intentionally based on individual goals, financial circumstances, and career objectives rather than following outdated assumptions about what career preparation requires.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With Aisling Chin-Yee, Chase co-directed No Ordinary Man, which was presented at Cannes Docs as part of the Canadian Showcase of Docs-in-Progress.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The series is directed by Takimoto Tomoyuki, known for socially conscious narratives, alongside Ohba Norichika.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Data from Cirium, an aviation data analytics company, shows that all airlines are planning to fly fewer seats to Tulum in the months ahead.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Friedland’s Ivanhoe Atlantic, formerly High Power Exploration, plans to invest $5 billion in infrastructure projects in Africa's Liberty Corridor, connecting Guinea to Liberia.
    Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Someday, yes, but not conventionally now (there are efforts underway to devise specialized LLMs that can achieve those ends, built for that vaunted purpose).
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Since late last year, China has ramped up its restrictions on exports of rare earths, even demanding proof that they will not be used for military purposes.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Beyond honoring Akil’s contributions, the evening sets the stage for the Hollywood Confidential College Tour launching later this fall.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Deadline understands that Nwodim made the decision after it was thought that the cast for Season 51 was set and ready to go ahead of its October 4 return.
    Peter White, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By combining the Cardinals’ spirit with an urgent public health mission, Wainwright and Sierra Kile hope to ensure that Darryl Kile’s legacy continues to inspire not just on the field, but in the lives of countless fans who cheer from the stands.
    Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In the press release regarding the official launch of the Program, Impel co-founder and CEO Devin Daly emphasized the impact the companies hope to make by helping industry employees gain the acumen to effectively work alongside AI.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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