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 Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway. Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025 But what are sports about if not hope and aspiration? Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 But the aspiration is alive and well for the 379,000 U.S. citizens who became millionaires last year. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 June 2025 Your Virgo horoscope for July 2025 finds Cancer season advising your seventh house of community, networking, and aspiration. Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for aspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiration
Noun
  • Now back in her hometown of Chicago, the MIT prodigy and armor-building genius is chasing her ambitions — while also getting entangled with the mysterious Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), a.k.a.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The bet is a next leg of L’Oréal’s increasing ambitions in the beauty-tech space, fueled by efforts to bring forth tech innovations that are accessible and solve solutions for everyday consumers.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • After being shut out in the group stage opener, Man City's superstar Erling Haaland has caught fire, scoring a goal in each of their past two matches.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Our goals are to return to holding youth accountable for their actions while simultaneously providing them with the necessary resources and programming to get them back on track for success.
    Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
  • Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The aim is to remove tariffs and other trade barriers to ease the movement of goods in a continent of around 1.5 billion inhabitants.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
  • Casting for the female lead is underway, the aim being to shoot later this year.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Worries about environmental effects have also been at the forefront, as groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and the Friends of the Everglades filed a lawsuit Friday to halt the detention center plans.
    Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • But showing up authentically and with intention often leaves the strongest impression.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
  • From deep cuts to dance floor favorites, expect genre-blending sets and energy that moves with intention.
    Essence, Essence, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • As for e-bikes and electric scooters, the village is following state law with no intent currently to take local action, East Dundee Police Chief Joshua Fourdyce said.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
  • Not proving that intent could mean a lesser conviction like criminally negligent homicide with a 1-2 year prison sentence or reckless homicide at 2-4 years at the time.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Either way, there is much buzz about his big-picture ideas.
    Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
  • This idea reflects Glass’s approach to whisky making.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspiration. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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