aim 1 of 2

aim

2 of 2

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
With a tough defense and a midfield led by Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur, Uruguay will aim to disrupt Argentina's rhythm and hit them on the break. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 The Volunteers are aiming to make their first-ever appearance in the men's Final Four this year. Adam Tamburin, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
With inmate suicide rates at an all-time high, U.S. District Senior Judge Kimberly Mueller said her aim is to force changes in California’s prison mental health system, which a federal judge in 1995 deemed to be so poor as to constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025 Back in 1952, when Congress passed the Immigration and Nationality Act, the aim was to keep Communists out of America. Chloe Atkins, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • While your family is away, cast a broken video screen video from YouTube.
    Kimberly Stoney, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
  • He was cast in Merciless, an independent project about a vengeful head of the CIA, directed by Martin Villeneuve and produced by Christopher Tuffin.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • To be built close to junction 10 of the M1 motorway for easy access by car, it was intended to have a removable grass pitch, which would have made Luton the first club to use such technology.
    Tom Burrows, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Conceived by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who later went on to design several of America’s iconic national park lodges, the building was intended to fold seamlessly into its environment—working to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings rather than overpowering it.
    Sophie Mendel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Universal Service Fund was established by the FCC after Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with the goal of ensuring communication systems are available nationwide.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Read More: 8 Ways to Shorten Your Wait for a Doctor’s Appointment Your personal goals matter, too.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And so having leadership at the CDC that can direct that response is exceedingly important.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The general idea is to use a person's motives as the driving force of their behavior, and then to direct this behavior at each critical decision point.
    Benjamin Voyer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The team plans to debut Painter in July after a successful return (so far) from Tommy John surgery that knocked out his past two seasons.
    Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The only thing shocking about this story is that the Washington elites are stupid enough to coordinate their latest military adventure on a messaging app like a bunch of teenagers planning a keg party.
    Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The automation of jobs by AI could lead to widespread unemployment and economic inequality, leaving many people feeling powerless and without purpose.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.
    Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As for the near to mid-term outlook, the latest is Barça appearing to plot a more concrete route to land Díaz (Spanish) in either a matter of months or 2026, setting aside between €70 million ($76 million) and €75 million ($82 million), according to SPORT.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article A reception at Gracie Mansion for the Greek-American community set for Thursday in advance of the group’s annual parade has stirred controversy after senior Adams administration officials revoked an award for one of the honorees at the last minute.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Kansas City finished second in the AL Central last season and hopes to take the next step in 2025.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The networks hope to sell the bulk of their commercial inventory ahead of the debut of their next cycle of programming.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!