aspire

verb

ə-ˈspī(-ə)r How to pronounce aspire (audio)
Definition of aspirenext
1
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal aspire to great deeds, and you have a better chance of doing good deeds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to rise
to move or extend upward a tower aspiring towards the heavens

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 aspire Despite her aspiring dancer Sara Johnson being among the most beloved characters in Stiles’ catalog, the actress is hesitant about channeling her in the ballroom. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 On the one hand, there’s a fascination with collective joy and the forms of vernacular invention that aspire to it; on the other, there’s an underlying melancholy that points to the inevitability of isolation, an epistemology of loneliness. — Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 While filming Tommy Karate last week in Brooklyn, the native Staten Islander, 32, met Liam, a young aspiring comic who has 5p- syndrome, also known as Cri du Chat syndrome. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Still, for every resourceful, imaginative low-budget success, there is a bungled movie that aspires, if not to quality, then at least to financial viability, but instead achieves legendary ineptitude. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspire
  1. intend
  2. rise
  3. plan
  4. ascend
  5. hope
  6. climb
  7. mean
  8. soar
Verb
  • Programs such as HyCAT are intended to provide more frequent opportunities to test technologies in realistic flight conditions, potentially allowing developers to identify problems earlier and iterate more quickly.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The Indian government said the decision was intended to bolster domestic availability amid lower production, seasonal demand and rising prices.
    — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of intend
Verb
  • In recent weeks, new cases and deaths have declined in Ituri province, the outbreak's epicenter, but risen sharply in neighboring North Kivu and Haut-Uele, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said at a weekly briefing.
    — JEAN-YVES KAMALE, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Since late July, diesel prices have been rising higher and faster overall than the cost of regular unleaded gas.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of rise
Verb
  • The owner, in this case, plans to live in the place themselves.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Harbaugh had Roman on his Ravens staff as an offensive assistant and planned to use Kaepernick just like his brother had in San Francisco.
    — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of plan
Verb
  • When a bird ascends during a migratory flight, a barometric geolocator records a steep drop in air pressure, capturing the timing of departure and arrival for every stop along a bird’s migration route.
    — Stephanie Szarmach, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In August, Prince Alois announced a change to royal succession rules to allow women to ascend the throne on equal terms with men, breaking with three centuries of dynastic tradition.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of ascend
Verb
  • Franklin’s debut in Blacksburg was a frolicking, stress-free celebration of what Virginia Tech fans hope will be a return to better days.
    — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Oil prices are spiking just ahead of wholesale and consumer inflation data that are due out Thursday and Friday, respectively, which investors hope will give them clarity on the interest rate outlook.
    — Sarah Min,Hugh Leask, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of hope
Verb
  • Industry statistics show that residential electricity prices in California run 89% above the national average and have climbed nearly 9% compared to the same period last year, while fuel prices across the state continue to set new highs.
    — , CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Oil prices have climbed back above the $100 per barrel mark this week as fighting in the Straight of Hormuz and Red Sea has intensified.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of climb
Verb
  • Armed with an engine upgrade on their cars for this event, the Ferrari drivers entered the weekend with hopes of challenging for the win at an iconic race that means so much to their team.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The prevalence of starwashing does not mean that all extraterrestrial endeavors should be scorned, said The Cool Down.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of mean
Verb
  • The jump in oil prices has sent the cost of jet fuel — a crucial energy source for airlines — soaring.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Prices are soaring around the league, especially for young forwards coming off their entry-level contracts.
    — Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of soar

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Cite this Entry

“Aspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspire. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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