ASPIRATION Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

aspiration

noun

ˌa-spə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of aspiration next

as in ambition

eager desire for personal advancement a combination of aspiration and hard work made her the top tennis player in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish college is his immediate aspiration after he graduates from high school

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 aspiration For nearly four decades, Enzo Ferrari and his company had worshipped at the temple of natural aspiration, but the turbo’s potential could no longer be ignored. —

Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024 Balancing East and West Serbia has long sought to maintain a balance between its aspirations for European Union membership and close ties with Russia and China. —

Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 More recently, the youngsters started first grade in June 2024 and already have career aspirations mapped out — Sawyer wants to be an artist, and Chandler hopes to become a soccer player. —

Nasha Smith, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024 Because in their 120-111 loss, the Knicks’ first-quarter collapse was a microcosm of a larger issue: While their offense is on pace to break records, defensive inconsistencies — and a fragile center situation — are threatening to undermine championship aspirations. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aspiration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiration

Noun

Married to her husband for seven years, Kristyn balances her professional ambitions and family life with enthusiasm and determination.

Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024
As the sun in Sagittarius brings opportunities for collaboration or romantic connections, its square to Neptune may reveal conflicting priorities between personal relationships and professional ambitions.

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024