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 Prioritize Storytelling Over Selling: Focus on narratives that resonate with your audience’s experiences and aspirations. Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2025 But Douglas highlights that beyond transportation, Riyadh Air serves as a powerful branding vehicle for the kingdom’s tourism aspirations, carrying the message of Saudi Arabia’s transformation to global markets and helping to overcome some of the perception challenges. Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 21 May 2025 Whatever happens at Tottenham and elsewhere on Sunday, the overall picture is a club still in good health with realistic aspirations of making further progress. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 20 May 2025 Losing him was a major blow as the Phillies look to make good on longstanding World Series aspirations. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for aspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiration
Noun
  • 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
  • Every year, there’s growth— in ambition, quality, quantity, and geographic reach.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The goal is to haul Ford vehicles from the Kentucky Truck Plant to dealerships anywhere in the nation.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Those goals were just the fourth and fifth in 14 games this spring.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The food connoisseur knew her purpose was in the kitchen from an early age and has steadfastly surrendered to that journey ever since.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Launched in 2024 with the aim of addressing the needs of the 50-and-older club, Myne Beauty debuted direct-to-consumer with two skin care products — a $49 hydrating serum and a $48 night cream formulated with retinol, vitamin C and peptides.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
  • Israel's launch of another offensive in Gaza in recent days with the aim of returning the hostages comes amid international condemnation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu government's 11-week blockade of the area.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • His evil plan is to conquer the microchip market by creating earthquakes and floods that will destroy most of the San Francisco Bay area.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Consider adopting this framework, which is rooted in alignment, intention and daily practice.
    Tia Smith, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Eight months later, in January 2020, the couple announced their intentions to step back from their working royal roles.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • This can be addressed through continuous communication with others, supporting the generation of ideas that are both feasible and unique.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • House and Senate lawmakers keep circulating big ideas that would go well beyond a narrow fix — and cost taxpayers many billions in doing so.
    David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspiration. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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