ASPIRE Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

aspire

verb

ə-ˈspī(-ə)r

Definition of aspire

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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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 Even sequels and prequels — say, those in the Star Wars canon — ideally aspire to a degree of self-sufficiency in which the audience can discern the story and, properly bewitched, can proceed to seek out the other movies. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026 The sheriff's office said the investigation uncovered a pattern in which Gledhill allegedly used online casting calls and film-making projects to contact aspiring young actors. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 For Ridinger, building the right team is one of the first steps for an aspiring entrepreneur. — Travis Cronin, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026 Amorrortu, whose brother Sebastian kicked at Minnesota State Moorhead, aspires to play in college too. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspire

Verb

It’s also intended to alert first responders and other healthcare providers that a woman has recently given birth and to check for postpartum complications, such as low blood pressure, bleeding, or infections.

— Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Immediately after the legislation was signed, states began bracing for the substantial pullback of federal support, rural hospital closures, and implementation of burdensome paperwork requirements intended to drive down enrollment.

— Diana DeGette, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of intend

Verb

The footage mixes high-speed chases and explosive action with comedic beats, framing a story built around chaos, mismatched heroism and rising stakes as the mission unfolds.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
With five minutes of task-specific data and 10 gradient steps, its average success rate rose to 83%.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

The governor is now planning to veto the remaining provisions in the bill, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

— Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
While Newcastle planned for the loss of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, Guimaraes’ departure was not in their blueprint and those three moving on have left a void of players in their prime years.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of plan

Verb

For the Patriots to overcome the Bills, Maye will probably need to ascend into the elite echelon of quarterbacks that his division rival occupies.

— Austin Mock, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
These leaders ascended to the international stage with a mixture of macho populism and a Trumpian right-wing, authoritarian aesthetic.

— Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of ascend

Verb

State leaders hope the new massive quantum computing development on the city's South Side helps position Illinois as the next Silicon Valley.

— Tara Molina, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
In her victory speech, Wasserman Schultz referenced redistricting Republicans hope will improve their chances of retaining the House in November.

— Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of hope

Verb

That means scanning a 2D barcode can link you to an instruction manual, food allergens, coupons, show you what farm the product came from and whether the package is recyclable.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
As the Gen4 car is also wider and longer than its predecessor, this, along with its formidable top speed, means FE has altered its calendar to include more permanent race tracks.

— Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of mean

Verb

Shares of Unitree, one of China's largest humanoid robot makers, initially soared as much as 629% in its public stock trading debut Wednesday in Shanghai, in the latest highlight of investor optimism over China’s technological advances.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
The National Weather Service has placed South Florida under a heat advisory, with feels-like temperatures expected to soar into the triple digits.

— Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of soar

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aspire

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“Aspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspire. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of aspire

verb

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