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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 Salon Vivier aims to shed more light on the founder by bringing his private world to life. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025 The Tech Alliance aims to mitigate the issue by working with major employers and universities to provide enhanced learning opportunities and direct pathways to jobs. Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
The aim is to have between 12 and 20 women going forward. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025 The commendable aim was to mainstream the principle of user control over data. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • Andrew Garfield was originally cast as the creature but dropped out in January 2024 due to scheduling conflicts.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Mriya, which was slated to fly over Venice carrying a hard drive with a database including information on all the participating artists, casting a fleeting shadow over the Giardini.
    Joanna Warsza, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The proposal of a drone wall, which is particularly supported by Baltic and Eastern European states, is intended as both a deterrence and defensive barrier, as well as a way to pool resources to bolster Europe’s collective defense.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The outcome will help define the limits of executive discretion over funds Congress intended to be risk-based and politically neutral, with broad implications for federal-state relations and public safety.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When asked about whether as many as 300,000 workers could lose their jobs, Vought emphasized the administration’s broader goal of shrinking Washington’s reach.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • With a clearer picture of cash flow, an advisor can make investing recommendations based on your goals, risk tolerance and timeline.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The code directed the money to a digital wallet not owned by the man, but presumably owned by the scammer, the complaint states.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • In the leadup to the deadline to fund the government this week, the White House directed agencies to prepare for mass firings in the event that Congress couldn’t reach a deal, rather than furloughing those not deemed essential as in past shutdowns.
    Connor Greene, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In 2025, there's a lot more open space and outdoor activities than what would have been planned before the pandemic.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Griffith decided to proceed to trial as planned.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Personality and purpose Upon entering the home, the first room one notices is Catherine's spacious office, which sits just to the left of the front door.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • While the Sixers theoretically have four centers, one is the brittle Joel Embiid, two are youngsters who haven’t clearly established themselves yet (Adem Bona and Johni Broome) and the other is a near-the-end Andre Drummond, who might also be traded for tax purposes.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Why he was executed on day 328, point blank, at the hands of Hamas, hours before approaching Israel Defense Forces would have set him free.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Dodgers’ rotation appears set for this series.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans hope that more Democratic senators will break ranks with their leadership and vote to reopen the government as pressure mounts from voters.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Rays fans hope habitual cost-cutting will end with new ownership and an influx of capital.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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