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 Despite his aspirations, France’s inconsistent energy policy and budgetary constraints limit Macron’s ability to maneuver internationally, and leave him little choice but to court Qatari investments and even seek accommodations with Iran. Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 Duke concurs, though his aspirations seem more specific. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025 His career aspirations are to be an Army officer, a Green Beret and later work in politics. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025 April 2025 The Star: The cards suggest April will bring a refreshing burst of hope and clarity for you, Aries, as The Star invites you to reconnect with your dreams and aspirations. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for aspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiration
Noun
  • Every year, there’s growth— in ambition, quality, quantity, and geographic reach.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2025
  • Their tumultuous relationship unfolds across five films as their personal differences, family drama, and professional ambitions create obstacles to their happily ever after.
    Megan Vick, EW.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Amid uncertainty over Trump’s sweeping tariffs, inflation eased to a four-year low in April, but is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • The foray into Hollywood-level production facilities is part of Kroenke’s goal to combine sports, entertainment and media from around the world, Bornstein said.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The screen served different purposes at different junctures.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • As with programming across the Totoy portfolio, its aim has been to offer entertainment with educational value, promoting healthy living and positive values among children.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 May 2025
  • Since the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, U.S. engagement with Pakistan has been limited and Islamabad has less relevance for Washington’s foreign policy aims.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • In 2003, another Post managing editor, Steve Coll, proposed a plan to reconfigure the newsroom to adapt to the internet and use the paper’s name recognition to become more national in scope.
    Clare Malone, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
  • However, the plan does not address several costly tax cuts proposed by President Trump in his 2024 campaign, including tax-free tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Make The Conversation Official (And Respectful) Casually bringing your raise request up in the hallway won’t land the same way, so schedule time with intention.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • According to top Black makeup artists, 2025’s soft glam is a love letter to melanin, blending technique, tone, and intention to celebrate what’s naturally ours.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Region Matters Rosé can be made almost anywhere, but some growing regions produce it with more precision and intent.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The intent from day one was to have no uncertainty in the dugout and to keep Maresca in place.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • It’s gone through many changes since, but the core idea of bringing a dozen great amateur bakers together under a big white tent to show off their skills in pastries, breads, cakes, and other baked goods remains reassuringly constant.
    Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
  • What are the building blocks of a brain that can think critically, use tools, or form abstract ideas?
    Yasemin Saplakoglu, Wired News, 11 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspiration. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aspiration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!