1
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
aspire to great deeds, and you have a better chance of doing good deeds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to rise
to move or extend upward
a tower aspiring towards the heavens
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 aspire
Capitalizing on the success of La Casa de los Famosos, Telemundo is upping the stakes with a new competition featuring aspiring singers.
—
Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Williams and Thomas, both aspiring rappers with the YNW collective, were known as YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
Writer, wit, and raconteur, Fran Lebowitz aspired to the literary life at a young age.
—René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Few are blessed with his athleticism or talent, but the right gear can help any aspiring basketball player develop excellent scoring ability.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for aspire
Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Williams and Thomas, both aspiring rappers with the YNW collective, were known as YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
Writer, wit, and raconteur, Fran Lebowitz aspired to the literary life at a young age.
—René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Few are blessed with his athleticism or talent, but the right gear can help any aspiring basketball player develop excellent scoring ability.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for aspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspire
Verb
-
The state is planning a $10 million project that will impact two communities and, in addition to replacing outdated infrastructure, the work is intended to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, records show.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
-
In April, Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA), announced his Gas Price Relief Act in Philadelphia, a move intended to lower climbing gas prices.—
Kaitlyn McCormick,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
The crackdown—which came amid a shrinking economy, rising costs, tax increases, and Ukrainian drone strikes on the country’s energy sector—led to a rare outburst of public discontent and an equally uncommon acknowledgment of the dissatisfaction from Putin.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
Gas prices have surged and inflation is rising.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The hotel plans to organize excursions to nearby wine estates for tastings.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
The state is planning a $10 million project that will impact two communities and, in addition to replacing outdated infrastructure, the work is intended to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, records show.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
After a few years, Turner could probably escape his standstill by quitting the board, and press to axe Levin and ascend to CEO.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
10 May 2026
-
The trio were among 20 hikers who set out to ascend the 4,445-foot volcano in North Maluku province, in defiance of safety restrictions.—
Niniek Karmini,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
As the 2025-26 sports year concludes, fans hope stability has arrived — for real, this time — in the form of coach Kyle Whittingham.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
The challenges are part of a national wave reshaping the debate over generational power and the direction of the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 midterms, when party leaders hope to retake control of the House.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The Boston Legacy have plenty of work to do to climb the National Women’s Soccer League standings.—
Boston Herald staff,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
But none of those teams have successfully overcome what is clearly a monumental hill to climb.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Milan’s defeat on Sunday lunchtime meant Inter could clinch the Scudetto with a draw against Parma.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Interestingly enough, his rise as a baseball player meant making the ultimate personal sacrifice.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Because of downsizing, wait times on the 1-800 number soared last year, with reports of hours-long holds.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Leo will celebrate an evening Mass in the basilica and inaugurate its Tower of Jesus Christ, the soaring central piece that was moved into place in February.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspire. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
