Definition of aspirationnext

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

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 aspiration The Bruins took their frustrations out on an overmatched opponent Tuesday night at Pauley Pavilion, winning 98-66 in the fifth of a six-game West Coast swing that is crucial to their NCAA tournament aspirations. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 Psychologists who study the nature of ambition have consistently found that aspirations are motivating in proportion to their attainability. Franklin Schneider, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026 Former Dallas general manager Nico Harrison had envisioned Davis, a 10-time All-Star, as the defensive anchor on a team with championship aspirations. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026 Emma Diaz grew up in Kendall with aspirations of competing in gymnastics at the Olympics. James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiration
Noun
  • With house‑inspired production and a darker, more experimental sound, the mini-album — which sold more than half a million copies in four days — hinted at the group’s creative ambition.
    Rebecca Cairns, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • European leaders, mindful of Putin's wider ambitions, say their own security is at stake in Ukraine and have insisted on being consulted in peace efforts.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • An assistant under Bradley and Cherundolo, Dos Santos’ first-choice tactics will be to possess the ball, counterpress and defend as far as possible from the LAFC goal, thus dominating games while attacking more through the inside with a 4-2-3-1 formation.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Brendan McLaughlin potted a pair of goals to prove the difference for Marshfield, rallying from an early two-goal deficit to beat Quincy/North Quincy 4-2 in Patriot League action.
    Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Soldiers from the Multi-purpose Company, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division operated the aircraft during the drill.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The real purpose of the campaign was to draw attention to the violation of Japanese Americans’ Constitutional rights.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In creating the following list of books to be classed under the heading of essential Afghan reading, my aim was to highlight books that focus on the human.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Seizing on the frigid weather, Russia has launched an all-out assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with the apparent aim of keeping up pressure amid ongoing peace negotiations—and sapping public morale.
    Michael Holtz, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Other companies have plans for LEO space stations as well.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Navarro did not detail what the White House’s plan to force data center builders to absorb costs would look like.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • According to a release, the staff union called for an unfair labor practice strike on Tuesday afternoon, alleging management has shown no intention to come to an agreement on the pending contract.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • If these people who have really good intentions are producing something that is seemingly flat, then what happens when people aren’t even concerned with these questions?
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Restoring strategic strike readiness The Air Force previously signaled its intent to replace weapons used in the June strikes through a budget reprogramming request submitted in August 2025.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Beyond responding to the political moment, these works were selected with the intent of educating people.
    Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In 1906, efforts to combine the desert landscapes led to a proposal to make New Mexico and Arizona into a single state, but Arizona voters overwhelmingly rejected this idea and continued to fight for their own statehood.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • It's also linked with ideas about women and their sexuality and consumption.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspiration. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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