as in ambitious
having a strong desire for personal advancement
an aspiring young pianist eager to win the prestigious competition
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of aspiring
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Regardless of the type of retirement plan, aspiring homebuyers should consult with a financial planner and their retirement plan sponsor before making any decisions.
—Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
For someone aspiring to play for England at this summer’s World Cup, a run of two goals in 11 games will not have cut the mustard for United’s No 9.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aspiring
Adjective
According to court records, Urrutia, an aspiring firefighter, was killed in a head-on crash with a speeding Perez, who was driving the wrong way, westbound on the eastbound leg of Florida’s Turnpike in Miramar.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Regardless of the type of retirement plan, aspiring homebuyers should consult with a financial planner and their retirement plan sponsor before making any decisions.
—Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
The nonprofit produces the San Francisco International Film Festival and provides grants to aspiring filmmakers.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
For someone aspiring to play for England at this summer’s World Cup, a run of two goals in 11 games will not have cut the mustard for United’s No 9.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aspiring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiring
Adjective
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German carrier Lufthansa is pursuing its own ambitious reset.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
28 Mar. 2026
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Perched just beyond the Bay Area’s eastern edge, this expanse of fields, orchards, subdivisions and big-box stores offers few opportunities for ambitious young professionals interested in industries such as tech and finance.—
Connor Letourneau,
San Francisco Chronicle,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Despite those risks, women riders in South Florida are becoming more visible on the motorcycle scene, planning their own meetups, safety briefings and events across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.—
Brenda Miranda,
Miami Herald,
25 Mar. 2026
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Jefferies Financial Group — Shares of the investment bank rallied nearly 7% after The Financial Times, citing people familiar, reported that Japan’s second-largest lender, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, is planning a possible takeover of Jefferies.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tensions are rising nationally as the military operation in Iran continues and ICE officers appear in airports.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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Carr acknowledged the rising cost and sometimes inconvenient nature of sports streaming are frustrating fans, arguing the drawbacks ultimately outweigh the benefits.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Cable wasn’t intending to score, but her serve to the top of the box was headed backward by a defender, and the ball went over the goalkeeper’s head.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
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Golden called for aggressive full-court pressure, intending to foul despite the Hawkeyes being in the bonus.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Walt Disney Company’s CEO transition is notable not just for who is ascending, but for how deliberately the company built financial stability around it by extending CFO Hugh Johnston’s contract months before a new CEO was even named.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
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For the past three seasons, Carlsbad High School has been ascending the ranks of girls lacrosse.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When looking at the largest metro areas, the fastest growing counties tended to be on the outer edges.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
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Entelis is also aware that, as the network continues to expand its travel programming, audiences in 2026 are looking for escapism.—
Lale Arikoglu,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And Friday’s loss pushed the Heat even further away from climbing out of the play-in tournament.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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The increase has been highest among Black, Hispanic and Asian Americans, climbing to 30% for those groups compared to 16% for White Americans.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That’s well short of the $12,500 the ad predicted — but destination popularity, seasonality and transportation can send costs soaring.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Mar. 2026
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The design is modern and clean-lined with soaring peaked ceilings, lots of dark wood, soothing white and neutral accents and, importantly, private outdoor space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aspiring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspiring. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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