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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
  • In sport, as in life, the idea of failure is often cast as a villain—something to be denied, delayed or danced around.
    Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 5 July 2025
  • Significantly more information is missed every day without a wider net for data being cast across South County communities.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Basically, the administration intends to fix the budget shortfall by using a soft-hand approach with hiring, personnel and operational matters.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.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
  • Salsbury insists the goal is never to take over but to free them up.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Recognizing this short deadline, the space agency has directed European scientists and engineers to begin preliminary work on the mission.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • At the time, the app was only streaming sports trading card sellers but was planning to expand.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 30 June 2025
  • Recalibrate and communicate benefits around employee needs and value – Over the next three years according to the new survey, more than half (57%) of employers plan to reallocate or rebalance their benefit spending, adding or enhancing some benefits while reducing or removing others.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • And the brands who roll with precision, purpose and personality will define the future of the category.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • That facility, whose purpose remains unclear, appears to be intact.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Ensuring that your car is in the best shape possible before setting a purchase price, or requesting a trade-in quote, can maximize its value.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2025
  • Escorted through the venue, Knight was led to a special table Prince had set aside, which was prime real estate in a packed house.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • With the Dolphins, Waller hopes to be a force on offense.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Before his death, Young warned that education had not become the equalizer many hoped for, but rather a divider—sorting people by wealth and access rather than raw talent.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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