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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 brand's reach aims to strengthen its connection with Generation Z consumers after being named the No. 1 fragrance brand for American teens and the third overall most-shopped at beauty stores by teens in the Piper Sandler Taking Stock with Teens Spring 2025 Survey. Greta Cross, Freep.com, 13 Aug. 2025 Beyond that, Davis aims to beat the averages by astute management of the land. William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
The hotel has also planted 6,000 artichokes on nearby islands, with the aim of using the resulting bounty on the property. Christine Muhlke, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2025 Their aim is to create spaces and projects that look good, feel good and have postitive impact. Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • Your essay should not cast you as the unproblematic hero of every story.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Rather than targeting bad actors, AB 84 casts a wide net that will harm schools doing critical work — and, more importantly, harm the students who rely on us.
    Christian Garcia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Japan Coast Guard In areas known to contain seabed resources, these activities could be intended to prospect marine economic data that supports follow-on extractive operations, the analyst said.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The agency then intends to select up to two development teams and execute pre-development agreements by Feb. 27, 2026.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The goal, according to CEO and founder of PPG Development Ari Pearl, was to make every arrival feel seamless.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The goal is not to hand over the keys—but to build stewards who understand the engine.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The bill also proposed that large signs directing slower traffic not to travel in the farthest left lane be placed on major freeways.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The executive order also includes a clause directing Duffy to reevaluate, amend, or rescind a slate of launch safety regulations written during the first Trump administration.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Danbury, Bethel, Deep River, East Haven, Groton and Montville either plan to or have completed similar facilities.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2025
  • In general, in an FOB destination contract, the seller of products plans all the logistics.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Louisville Parks and Recreation Public Information Supervisor Katey Cook said Phase I of the project, including placing new grass for all the holes, rebuilding tees, adding a dual purpose tee area for select holes and regrading the terrain, will be complete by this fall and playable by Spring 2026.
    Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • All that extravagance will set a buyer back to the tune of $12 million, with an offer already pending after only five days on the market.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Organizers have also set aside $5 million to put towards player expenses, including a $1,000 travel stipend for each player and two hotel rooms at the official player hotel (or $600 per day for staying at alternative accommodation).
    George Ramsay, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • With these new findings, researchers are hoping to revive the sea star population and restore balance to the ecosystem, the outlet reported.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Robert Bauman's efforts to expand parking in District 4, Montano Luna hopes a similar solution can be applied to her neighborhood.
    Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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