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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

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 aim
Verb
While Trump's plan aims to significantly increase deportations, experts warn that logistical challenges, including international cooperation and resource limitations, could complicate the scale of his proposal. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Pentagon officials described the attacks as preemptive measures aimed at preventing the group from reorganizing in Syria and signaled additional strikes were likely. Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
One of them is Jeff Pack, cofounder of One Temecula Valley PAC, a political action committee started with the aim of uniting community members across partisan lines. Nadra Nittle, Them, 10 Dec. 2024 With the division title secure, Detroit’s aim now is to seal the No. 1 seed in the NFC and the postseason bye that comes with it. Jacob Lev, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aim 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • Only 195 votes were cast, below the 200 needed for the vote to count, and the motion was scrapped.
    Cynthia Kim, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Like the popular athlete of the week ballots, voters may cast a ballot once an hour until the 2 p.m. deadline on Fridays.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The rules were intended to prevent Social Security from overpaying people who worked in non-covered pension jobs, policy experts said.
    Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • To date, the SSU has failed to generate the success or world-building Sony hoped for and intended.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The 18-year-old Brazilian striker came on with four minutes left of Madrid’s La Liga match against Real Valladolid — and crashed home his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win to eclipse Kylian Mbappe’s first Madrid appearance at the Bernabeu.
    Guillermo Rai, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Along with strengthening Macy's nameplate, the company's goals are accelerating luxury growth and simplifying and modernizing end-to-end operations.
    Jonathan Limehouse, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Son Malcolm directs this nuanced adaptation of the August Wilson play, and other son John David stars alongside a phenomenal Danielle Deadwyler as siblings butting heads over what to do with an heirloom piano.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • All of this, along with endless action scenes, is directed with swift, vivid boldness and mechanical precision by director George Miller.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Also planning to attend is Daniel Penny, a military veteran who was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide this week in the chokehold death of an agitated subway rider in New York.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Here are the two lane and interchange restrictions that are planned this weekend.
    The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The length of this deal may be a red herring of sorts, as teams are doing longer contracts to lower the AAV for luxury-tax purposes, something the Yankees of all teams will always have to consider.
    Keith Law, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024
  • In short, quantum computing needs to have a purpose.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Early adopters are setting themselves apart, leveraging AI to enhance patient care and streamline operations.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Beijing has again set a goal of around 5 percent for 2024.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Republicans hope the tool will be useful as Trump promises a wholesale reevaluation of the federal government.
    David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Scientists hope this kind of pig will someday provide an unlimited supply of kidneys, livers, hearts and other organs that could alleviate the chronic shortage of organs for transplantation and save thousands of patients every year.
    Rob Stein, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near aim

Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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