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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
CorVent aims at that target by packaging ventilatory support with data, workflows, and help built for small teams. Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 Trump is aiming to clinch the pact with China’s Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
Abundantia stressed the philosophy of Abundantia aiOn would be ‘Human First, AI Empowered’, with an aim to explore how artificial intelligence can empower creators and act as a creative accelerator. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025 Founded in 2020 by Paolo Barletta and Annabel Holding, Arsenale is an Italian company operating in the luxury hospitality sector, with the aim of enhancing the Italian tourism industry. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • While this violation enrages the village’s women, the men who make up the Panchayat (village council) try and fail to cast her out of town.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Only Martin — cast as a Dickensian wretch by Bonitzer’s legion of myopic elites, but always quietly acting against type — reserves the right to determine his own worth.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The org intends to continue anniversary events throughout the coming year.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Congressional Republicans, who voted for the caps, say they are intended to stem a sharp rise in federal student lending over the past two decades that has driven the cost of attendance higher.
    Kff Health News, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Whether your goal is to work in government, the private sector, or a nonprofit organization, our curriculum prepares you for diverse roles such as intelligence analyst, foreign service officer, military analyst, or special agent.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • But recent reports show that goal is nowhere near.
    Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The statement also directed further questions to Baltimore County Public Schools regarding Omnilert, the AI gun detection software used at the school.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Actor Ha’s new film, The People Upstairs, a remake of the 2020 Spanish comedy by Cesc Gay, will compete in LEAFF’S main competition strand, which features eight titles from filmmakers who have directed four feature films or fewer.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At great risk, Hamida disguises herself as a khes (a thick cotton cloth) seller and enters the house to plan with Lajo an escape route.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Candle lighting ceremonies have also been planned across the country.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The stated purpose was to win a national championship like LSU’s three previous coaches, but Kelly lost at least three games in all four seasons and never got close to the CFP.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Alker set the front-nine and back-nine records last year with a pair of matching 31s for a tournament record 62 in the first round.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Neither has given an indication of leaving the team or the sport, and most of next year’s F1 grid is set.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • War is a realm of chance, accident, and volatility over which its participants can only ever hope to work a small measure of influence, as Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace reminds us.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Raisman makes the point that many people suffer in silence, but there is help and hope out there for them.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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