aspiring 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈspī-riŋ How to pronounce aspiring (audio)
Definition of aspiringnext
as in ambitious
having a strong desire for personal advancement an aspiring young pianist eager to win the prestigious competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aspiring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of aspire
1
as in planning
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
2
as in rising
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 aspiring
Adjective
That’s Edwin Gomez, a former Vista employee and an aspiring projectionist now volunteering with the city’s next big revival effort. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026 The plot is loosely based on the Black Dahlia murder, and the protagonist is an aspiring actress like Elizabeth Short. — Sarah Batcha, Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
Hinterland University gives aspiring music-industry professionals a closer look at that side of live entertainment. — Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Take the man behind the quote, Samir (Malik Elassal), who’s introduced as an aspiring FinTech bro in the middle of making amends for sleeping with a woman who was too drunk to consent. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspiring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiring
  1. ambitious
  2. planning
  3. rising
  4. intending
  5. ascending
  6. looking
  7. climbing
  8. aiming
Adjective
  • Up to half of the more than 200,000 mountain glaciers — vast, slow moving rivers of ice that creep across the world’s peaks — are expected to disappear by the end of this century, even if ambitious climate goals are met.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Some argue that cultural norms of male leadership and even outright discrimination keep women from top roles, while others argue that women are less ambitious than men.
    — Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ambitious
Verb
  • Instead of managing an entire meal, planning for just dessert and drinks frees you up to tidy the house or relax without standing over a stove for hours before guests arrive.
    — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2026
  • As the weather begins to cool and the corn stalks reach for the sky, farms begin planning for their annual corn maze adventures.
    — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of planning
Verb
  • The bank said capacity constraints and rising competition are weighing on ASML, but that the stock remains a top pick.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Alexandria Eala, a rising global superstar, draws a new Filipino fanbase.
    — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of rising
Verb
  • The supposedly knowing and intending AI now becomes a political actor.
    — Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Athletes who completed college in May but who were intending to return to campus can no longer use the Wisne injunction.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of intending
Verb
  • An ascending coach on one side in Texas A&M’s Mike Elko and a one fighting a tough narrative in USC’s Lincoln Riley.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • However, power-hitting prospect Andrew Fischer, a 2025 first-round pick, is rapidly ascending.
    — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of ascending
Verb
  • Procapil brings biotinoyl tripeptide-1 together with botanical ingredients that help fortify follicles and anchor hair at the root, while Capixyl combines acetyl tetrapeptide-3 with red clover extract for stronger, denser-looking hair.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Just when things are looking dire for John and Sarah, the T-800 reboots on auxiliary power and shoots the T-1000 with a grenade launcher.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of looking
Verb
  • Another shows someone climbing into a helicopter, stepping from a roof terrace, onto the landing gear and then into the cockpit, after appearing to take off their t-shirt to wave and attract the aircraft’s attention.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Summer has been scorching across California, with temperatures climbing as high as 110 degrees in some parts of the state.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of climbing
Verb
  • The 138-foot flagship, known as the GX40, is aiming to set a new standard for eco-conscious cruising in the sector.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In signing Premier League players, De Zerbi and the club are aiming to minimise risk and ensure the team hits the ground running for the 2026-27 campaign after consecutive 17th-place finishes.
    — Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of aiming

Browse Nearby Words

aspires
aspiring
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Cite this Entry

“Aspiring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspiring. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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