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aim

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noun

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

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 aim
Verb
This aims to save photo editors from the multi-step drudgery of editing faces. PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 Online, suspicion was often aimed at the victims’ family members as well as unaffiliated Delphi residents and men across the US — anyone and everyone who bore a passing resemblance to the sketch. Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
Thanks to its greening efforts, nearly half of its land is covered in vegetation in its aim to foster biodiversity and improve residents’ quality of life. Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 That’s a far cry from the existing, maximalist war aim of eliminating Hamas’ military and governance capabilities. Mick Krever, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aim 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • During the last Trump administration, Newsom burnished his national profile by casting himself as a crusading foil to the then-president.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The setting sun cast its rays over the seed heads in the background, creating this striking effect.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Her kids are also receiving a more significant portion of the estate than was intended.
    R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Given the laptop-class CPU and GPU, only the RAM and storage are intended to be readily user-accessible—the chips are locked down and facing toward the cooling system that occupies the other half of the case.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The goal of this project is to create an archive, through a concerned look, and to keep track of these loves that exist in a society where heterosexuality is over-represented.
    Vogue, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Jelly Roll has made significant strides in his health and fitness goals over the last year — and he’s just getting started.
    Rachel DeSantis, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • When reached for comment via Instagram, Thorpe directed NBC News to a post on Tippet’s page announcing his death.
    Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • When games are close, Malone’s reflex is to turn around, scan his bench and direct Jokic to the scorer’s table.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Council members plan to finalize the city's 2025-26 budget today.
    Axios Seattle, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The company plans to generate future revenue through its FANTOO platform, focusing on direct sales and user-to-user commissions.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • For apps whose express purpose is to help people find friends, my matches seemed overwhelmingly uninterested in chatting, let alone meeting up.
    Allie Volpe, Vox, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Brendan’s devotion to his men is inextricable from his purpose in the army, but the lofty Gerry sees it as a weakness.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Board members set water rates for large providers and property taxes for homeowners in the three counties.
    Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Their commitment to safety and efficient procedures truly set them apart in the market.
    Kyle Russell, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In an interview with police, Boudreaux admitted to feeling suicidal in the days leading up to the home invasion and hoped that she would’ve been shot and killed by police, according to the arrest report.
    Karina Tsui, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
  • His medical team hopes Richardson can return to school by mid-September.
    Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near aim

Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on aim

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