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aim

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun aim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aim are design, end, goal, intention, intent, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When is design a more appropriate choice than aim?

Although the words design and aim have much in common, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

Where would end be a reasonable alternative to aim?

While the synonyms end and aim are close in meaning, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When would goal be a good substitute for aim?

The words goal and aim can be used in similar contexts, but goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

In what contexts can intent take the place of aim?

The words intent and aim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When might intention be a better fit than aim?

In some situations, the words intention and aim are roughly equivalent. However, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How are the words object and end related as synonyms of aim?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

When can objective be used instead of aim?

The synonyms objective and aim are sometimes interchangeable, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When could purpose be used to replace aim?

While in some cases nearly identical to aim, purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

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 aim
Verb
Kanye West called out Bhad Bhabie over her diss track aimed at fellow rapper Alabama Barker. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 Mostly aimed at more skilled builders and collectors, the Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon (75375) set looks great as a display item. Paul Brett, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is a treaty signed in Washington D.C. in 1949 by 12 founding members with the aim of creating mutual assistance to counter any action taken by the Soviet Union to take control of Eastern Europe. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 They are aligned with the electorate’s aims as revealed in last year’s exit polling. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • And casting supplements and drugs as comparable to, or even preferable to, prevention is especially dangerous for a disease that has no cure or antivirals.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Boosters of the technology cast it as a way to cut middlemen such as banks and credit card companies out of financial transactions and make those transactions more transparent and secure.
    Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Friday's White House meeting was intended to sign a deal related to Ukraine's rare minerals and discuss a diplomatic resolution to the war.
    Newsweek, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Sporting responded strongly after conceding the two goals.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The 30-year-old defenseman, selected fourth overall in the 2013 NHL draft (two picks after the Panthers selected Aleksander Barkov) has 97 goals and 432 points over his 12-year NHL career.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The production is being directed by Matthew Dunster (2:22 – A Ghost Story, Hangmen, The Pillowman).
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The following day, a bus driver confirmed the incident, reporting to administrators that the remarks were directed at a group of Hispanic students.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • These are all important features for anyone who plans to spend hours walking, standing, or running.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The outrageous plot follows failing impresario Max Bialystock who plans to stage a Broadway flop and collect on investors’ money.
    Caroline Frost, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Kennedy also claimed the reason the children were hospitalized was for quarantine purposes.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The crucial difference from last season is his belief in his own abilities to alter events to his own purposes.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Practice setting healthy boundaries, and confront any problematic situations head on.
    ESSENCE Lifestyle, Essence, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Pricing plays a crucial role; setting prices too low just to attract customers can leave little room for growth, while strategic pricing ensures sustainability and profitability.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Preservation Chicago is hoping a new congregation might move in and restore the church, or the building could be repurposed as a community center, among other potential adaptive reuses.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • With Florida under attack by invasive species, from Burmese python to lionfish, the UF researchers hope that their results could help authorities direct resources to fighting the agama – and protecting the anoles.
    Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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