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 Contenders is a midweek column that looks at artists aiming for the top of the Billboard charts, and the strategies behind their efforts. —Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2025 This project is part of a larger scientific pursuit of neuromorphic computing, which aims to replicate the remarkable efficiency of the human brain, which operates on only about 20 watts of power. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
Focus on scientific breakthroughs While K2 Think demonstrates performance on par with OpenAI, the system's developers say the aim is not to build a chatbot like ChatGPT. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, the understanding of citizens as consumers led many voters of all ideologies to view politics through the lens of choosing an ideal candidate or party rather than strategizing to build coalitions and accomplish particular aims. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 Sep. 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
  • Nationwide, over 30% of votes were cast in the 2024 presidential election through mail-in ballots, according to the United States Election Assistance Commission.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Then, in June, Lyles cast the tiebreaking vote deciding not to study ways to improve working conditions for airport employees.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of cast
Verb
  • Despite lacking any legal education or experience, Routh dismissed his lawyers earlier this year and intends to defend himself at trial.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • Create a list of 20-30 companies aligned with your career goals.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • China’s already reached its goal of getting 300 million people involved.
    — Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • With Aisling Chin-Yee, Chase co-directed No Ordinary Man, which was presented at Cannes Docs as part of the Canadian Showcase of Docs-in-Progress.
    — Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The series is directed by Takimoto Tomoyuki, known for socially conscious narratives, alongside Ohba Norichika.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of direct
Verb
  • When asked by a reporter for more details about how Trump planned to ban mail-in ballots, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the administration planned to work with Republicans on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Quinn had a couple of credentials for his radio show, which had planned to broadcast from Dublin but nixed it at the last minute because co-host LaVar Arrington, the former Penn State and NFL linebacker, didn’t have a passport.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In a 2004 study, the United States Institute of Peace said that hundreds of terrorist groups had migrated online, utilizing a tool meant for better communication for often nefarious purposes.
    — Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Beyond honoring Akil’s contributions, the evening sets the stage for the Hollywood Confidential College Tour launching later this fall.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Deadline understands that Nwodim made the decision after it was thought that the cast for Season 51 was set and ready to go ahead of its October 4 return.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of set
Verb
  • In the press release regarding the official launch of the Program, Impel co-founder and CEO Devin Daly emphasized the impact the companies hope to make by helping industry employees gain the acumen to effectively work alongside AI.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • By pairing neutral terminology with accessible treatment options, clinicians hope to empower women to take control of their health, sexuality and well-being during and after menopause.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2025.

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