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 Throughout, in interviews with Costa, Malafaia justifies his political aspiration with Biblical parables. Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025 Despite being more than 6,100 miles away from their South California home, the Chargers showed the world their aspirations this year by beating the NFL’s recent dynasty team and their AFC West rivals, 27-21. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 While Germany and greater Europe still grapple with issues of citizenship and nationalism, the building reminds its visitors of a painful past while simultaneously bringing to mind post-Cold War aspirations for political transparency and unity. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025 After more than a year of negotiations with the mayor’s office, the governor’s office, the City Council, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Denver Water and other stakeholders, the franchise has enough confidence to make its aspirations public. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiration
Noun
  • Pari Pari is the brainchild of Benjamin Chemouny, Hugo Dayan and Edouard Benitah, who aimed to create an atmosphere that was elegant and yet also comfortable, a place for a quick lunch or a lengthier dinner with 25 counter seats — and a lot of ambition.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • That much is apparent just by talking with Hobert, who communicates her ambitions with sharp focus.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Create a list of 20-30 companies aligned with your career goals.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • China’s already reached its goal of getting 300 million people involved.
    Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In a 2004 study, the United States Institute of Peace said that hundreds of terrorist groups had migrated online, utilizing a tool meant for better communication for often nefarious purposes.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The aim shifts from corporate adoption to personal leverage.
    Curt Steinhorst, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Talarico was already taking political aim at potential November opponents.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At least one former candidate – Kansas City attorney Stacy Lake, who lost to White in the Democratic primary for County Executive in 2022 – has announced plans to run at that point.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The bulk of his cases are reviews involving the major Medicaid plans in Ohio.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Copeland is the fourth Republican candidate to signal an intention to run for the party's nomination in House District 5, which includes a portion of Boone County.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
  • If there was the intention to strengthen in central defence with Jaka Bijol, should that have heralded the right moment to generate more room in the transfer budget with Struijk’s sale?
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Rupert and Lachlan’s attorneys stated their intent to appeal immediately.
    Martina Di Licosa, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Another goal for the group is to create a widespread medical definition of genocide that emphasizes prevention over intent, Jboor said.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In the midst of feeling helpless, Kate said an idea took shape to commemorate the victims.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And the 18-year-old Mastantuono has already brought fresh ideas to Madrid’s attack.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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