aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(-ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

intransitive verb

1

: to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal

She aspired to a career in medicine.

2

: ascend, soar

aspirer noun

Synonyms of aspire

• intend
• plan
• hope
• mean
• aim
• wish
• go

Examples of aspire in a Sentence

aspire to great deeds, and you have a better chance of doing good deeds

a tower aspiring towards the heavens

Recent Examples on the Web

The agency now aspires to test one or both on an Artemis III mission in low Earth orbit in 2027, to be followed by a landing on Artemis IV in 2028. —Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026

From my own experience, art biennials in Africa are the go-to for emerging artists, cultural producers, and aspiring curators to introduce or announce themselves, to see and be seen. —Smooth Nzewi, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026

Gaston was a strict parent for an aspiring magnate. —Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026

But any leader who aspires to Xi’s level of power is unlikely to take note. —Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aspirer, from Latin aspirare, literally, to breathe upon, from ad- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aspire

• admire
• afire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire
• haywire
• hellfire
• inquire
• inspire
• newswire
• perspire
• rehire

Kids Definition

aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

: to work to get something high or great

aspirer noun