Synonyms of aspiration

aspiration

noun

ˌa-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

as in ambition

eager desire for personal advancement

a combination of aspiration and hard work made her the top tennis player in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ambition
• determination
• motivation
• initiative
• opportunism
• energy
• ambitiousness
• greed
• competitiveness
• passion
• industry
• go-getting
• push
• aggression
• diligence
• enterprise
• drive
• hustle
• spirit
• daring
• eagerness
• killer instinct
• go
• assertiveness
• avarice
• pretentiousness
• hunger
• avidity
• ardor
• pushiness
• keenness
• overambitiousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indifference
• apathy
• unconcern
• inertia
• lethargy
• laziness
• indolence
• halfheartedness
• idleness
• sloth
• shiftlessness

2

as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

college is his immediate aspiration after he graduates from high school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• goal
• purpose
• aim
• plan
• intention
• ambition
• intent
• idea
• objective
• dream
• object
• thing
• meaning
• ideal
• target
• design
• point
• end
• pretension
• name of the game
• project
• mark
• bourne
• hope
• desire
• wish
• scheme
• mind
• destination
• plot
• grail
• holy grail
• nirvana
• terminus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• means
• method
• way

Synonym Chooser

How is the word aspiration different from other nouns like it?

The words ambition and pretension are common synonyms of aspiration. While all three words mean "strong desire for advancement," aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself.

an aspiration to become president someday

When is it sensible to use ambition instead of aspiration?

Although the words ambition and aspiration have much in common, ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire.

driven by ambition

In what contexts can pretension take the place of aspiration?

While in some cases nearly identical to aspiration, pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption.

has literary pretensions

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of aspiration

Around three in 10 Gen Zers would even pay to make their influencer aspirations a reality. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 31 July 2026

In the first episode, which features chef Andrew Gruel (who also appears to have political aspirations), and is shot in Gruel’s kitchen, the pair make crispy salmon cakes with apple white bean and green salad. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026

Eternal vows extend well beyond the wedding day, and laws exist to protect and fulfill the aspirations of spouses and entire family units. — Morgan Mouchette, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Looking ahead, the Erikssons have big aspirations for their enterprise. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 July 2026