ASPIRATION Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

aspiration

noun

ˌa-spə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of aspiration next

as in ambition

eager desire for personal advancement a combination of aspiration and hard work made her the top tennis player in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish college is his immediate aspiration after he graduates from high school

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 In addition to respecting Syria’s territorial integrity and the aspirations of its people in a future government, the U.S. should immediately lift all sanctions on Syria to help with reconstruction and economic recovery. —

Farrah Hassen, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Dec. 2024 From the start, Ivanishvili and his aides have understood that most Georgians wish to lessen Moscow’s influence over their country; many see Putin as the latest in a long line of imperialist Russian leaders intent on suppressing their aspirations for national self-determination. —

Christian Caryl, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2024 Businesses that get ahead are those that can align these sometimes seemingly conflicting positions and balance operational aspirations with financial realities. —

Richard Okon, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 This strategy could reduce the burden of travel while opening up opportunities for drivers like Larson, who has aspirations of trying his skills at the Indy 500 in 2025. —

Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aspiration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiration

Noun

Nevisians share this ambition, so my administration must deliver.

Geoff Whitmore, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Jimmy Carter exuded both humility and a flicker of unfulfilled ambition.

Philip Martin, arkansasonline.com, 2 Jan. 2025