Definition of aspirationnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word aspiration different from other nouns like it?

The words ambition and pretension are common synonyms of aspiration. While all three words mean "strong desire for advancement," aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself.

an aspiration to become president someday

When is it sensible to use ambition instead of aspiration?

Although the words ambition and aspiration have much in common, ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire.

driven by ambition

In what contexts can pretension take the place of aspiration?

While in some cases nearly identical to aspiration, pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption.

has literary pretensions

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 aspiration Has acting always been an aspiration for you? Matt Minton, Variety, 17 June 2026 What is history if not the patient excavation of conflict, suffering, aspiration, and revolt? The Atlantic, 16 June 2026 For years, my inbox has operated as a good barometer of the financial aspirations and anxieties of everyday investors. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 16 June 2026 Cost of living is the universal barrier, with all four generations citing it as the biggest barrier to achieving current life aspirations, according to the study. Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiration
Noun
  • The president’s reported ambition to build military bases in Greenland could also move forward under the terms of the existing 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement, signed 10 years after the US military first came to the territory following Germany’s invasion of Denmark.
    Joshua Hunt, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026
  • Protesters blocked copper exports from a huge Rio Tinto mine in Mongolia on Wednesday, partially cutting off the supply of a mineral vital to China’s renewable energy ambitions.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • His goal is to inspire people to get outside.
    Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Messi, 38, recorded his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
    David K. Li, NBC news, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Sheriff's officials said a detailed investigation determined three employees used the system for non-law enforcement purposes, violating both agency policy and Georgia law.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Protect your space, then re-engage with purpose.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • In fact, the aim of the video, which is described as an experimental prototype, is to make the archaeologists’ findings more accessible to non-experts, according to a social media post by the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 18 June 2026
  • War is the instrument; the political aim is the purpose.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Hired for four years at a salary of $440,000, Carvalho quickly adopted a strategic plan that included detailed, regular review of a school’s test scores — from both the annual state tests and periodic district assessments.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • Corlys is below deck on The Queen Who Never Was, telling a defiant Alyn about Rhaenyra’s new plan for peace, when the alarms sound.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Anguay succeeds Paul Lau, a 45-year veteran of the utility who in January announced his intention to retire.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • The Flammability of Materials on the Moon experiment announced its intention to burn various materials on the moon.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Kelly and Watts say the intent was never to rewrite the narrative or portray anyone in an unfair light.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
  • Manfred said the purpose of the rule is to prevent players from becoming messengers for political or social issues while in uniform, because many messages can offend some portion of the fan base, even if that is not the player’s intent.
    Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • In Labour circles, there is an old joke poking fun at Burnham’s chameleon-like ability to blend into whichever set of ideas is in vogue on the left at that moment in time.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • That idea guided nearly every aspect of the wardrobe.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspiration. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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