aim 1 of 2

verb

ˈām How to pronounce aim (audio)
Definition of aimnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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
The city aims to partner with an expert nonprofit to manage the shelter, while holding on to it long term. —Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025 His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
The team maintained since the offseason that Darvish being healthy at the end of the season and in the playoffs was its No.1 aim. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025 But these ridiculous titles are what the comrades always use to disguise the true aims of their legislation — the crazier the proposal, the bigger the whopper describing it. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for aim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
  1. cast
  2. intend
  3. goal
  4. direct
  5. plan
  6. purpose
  7. set
  8. hope
Verb
  • On July 5, the low angle of the sun will cast prominent shadows along the eastern rim of the impact crater, while highlighting reflective debris streaks known as ejecta rays that were cast out during its creation some 800 million years ago.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 5 July 2025
  • During his Nip/Tuck run, McMahon was cast as the Marvel villain Victor Von Doom, a.k.a.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 5 July 2025
Definition of cast
Verb
  • Every one of his 70-odd dishes is intended to complement drink, not the other way around.
    — Derek Sandhaus, Saveur, 10 July 2025
  • However, Hwang never intended that to be the message.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • My goal was to make everyone feel connected to her legacy and vitality.
    — Matt Abrahams, Time, 12 July 2025
  • If your goal is to add little to no weight to your beach day haul, nothing beats the Helinox Beach Chair.
    — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • Her husband was the cinematographer on that installment and five others directed by Arthur during that 1984-85 season.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
  • The films are directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Marc Platt and David Stone, who also produced the Broadway musical.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 9 July 2025
Definition of direct
Verb
  • Sadly for some, this signals the end for Zigbee support, as Ikea plans to replace its Zigbee gadgets with Matter devices.
    — Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 12 July 2025
  • Harkins plans to open a second BackLot at Verrado Marketplace, a shopping mall being built in Buckeye.
    — Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    — Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
  • The well was bundled together with another for contracting purposes, and the cost to plug the two was more than $400,000.
    — Camila Domonoske, NPR, 8 July 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Marie Nino, a professional hairstylist based in New York City, recommends Virtue Flourish’s shampoo and conditioner set for reinforcing strands without leaving them feeling coated or crunchy.
    — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • Tonight the castle was lit up like a movie set with klieg lights and scores of Cinecittà extras vamping as cardinals.
    — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Definition of set
Verb
  • Doctors gave her a bag of medication, hoping to stabilize her liver function.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • But McBurney hopes to be an inspiration for anyone in the blind community who doubts their ability to achieve success due to visual impairments.
    — Ramal Nasim Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
Definition of hope

Browse Nearby Words

ails
aim
aimed
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Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of aim for Spanish Speakers

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