AIM Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

aim 1 of 2

verb

ˈām

Definition of aim next

as in to cast

to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal the new accounting system is aimed at reducing costs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to intend

to have in mind as a purpose or goal aimed to have his paper all done in time to go to the movies

Synonyms & Similar Words

aim

2 of 2

noun

as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the main aim of a trip to the city is to shop for school clothes, but we always go to the artisans' market, too

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Russell Contreras Trump signs executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship President Trump has signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship in the U.S. — a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and affirmed by the Supreme Court more than 125 years ago. —

Andrew Freedman, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025 Love’s recent string of amusing Instagram posts began with one aimed at Herro for his role in the altercation between the Heat and Houston Rockets on Dec. 29. —

Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025

Noun

New York and New Jersey are the latest looking at state-wide bans, with the aim to lower cyberbullying and help increase student focus. —

Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025 With proper technical assistance and the aim of protecting themselves rather than making a profit, captive insurers can often price risk more accurately than commercial insurers. —

Peter Green, Quartz, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for aim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim

Verb

One of my friends growing up called it ‘The Church’ because the 14 foot ceilings with stained glass windows in the living room cast colorful shadows at the end of the day.

— Charna Flam, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
But for better or worse, his legacy rests not on forging grand peace treaties — those traditional diplomatic prizes eluded him — but on his role in two wars that often cast him in very different lights.

— Edward Wong, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025