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
Eisenhower contributed to the culture of fear with his own investigative program aimed at federal workers. —Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 The killers included white policemen, sheriffs, businessmen, even a legislator—all part of the Jim Crow system aimed at disenfranchising Black voters. —Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is a treaty signed in Washington D.C. in 1949 by 12 founding members with the aim of creating mutual assistance to counter any action taken by the Soviet Union to take control of Eastern Europe. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 They are aligned with the electorate’s aims as revealed in last year’s exit polling. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 22 Feb. 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
  • Boosters of the technology cast it as a way to cut middlemen such as banks and credit card companies out of financial transactions and make those transactions more transparent and secure.
    — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 7 Mar. 2025
  • And casting supplements and drugs as comparable to, or even preferable to, prevention is especially dangerous for a disease that has no cure or antivirals.
    — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of cast
Verb
  • Meier intended to use her credit to build up a nest egg after years of grad school.
    — Camila Domonoske, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Black men, it was said, intended to take the profits and the means of cotton production and sale for themselves.
    — Christmaelle Vernet & Kathy Roberts Forde / Made by History, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • Other scores: Bolles 20, Timber Creek 4 Girls Lacrosse Bartram Trail 12, Bishop Moore 6 Buzz: Lizzie Scalzo had a goal and an assist for the Hornets (5-3) while Sam Wilson had 13 saves at keeper.
    — Buddy Collings, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
  • These three countries host large deposits of several minerals critical to the U.S., for America's economic and geopolitical goals.
    — John Feng, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • The following day, a bus driver confirmed the incident, reporting to administrators that the remarks were directed at a group of Hispanic students.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • However, a simultaneous survey suggested that much of the increase in corporate sustainability spend would be directed towards reporting.
    — Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of direct
Verb
  • These are all important features for anyone who plans to spend hours walking, standing, or running.
    — Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The outrageous plot follows failing impresario Max Bialystock who plans to stage a Broadway flop and collect on investors’ money.
    — Caroline Frost, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • Your personal changes will offer clarity and revision and give you a purpose that makes life worth living.
    — Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Treasuries have been around for a long time, but their underlying purpose is debatable at best.
    — DP Opinion, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Practice setting healthy boundaries, and confront any problematic situations head on.
    — ESSENCE Lifestyle, Essence, 5 Mar. 2025
  • During the last funding fight in December, Johnson pushed for an extension until March to set Republicans up to reach an agreement on new spending bills with a GOP trifecta in Washington.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of set
Verb
  • The program that hopes to fund till 2032 and beyond as well has, however, been reserved for the athletes who make less than $1 million in a year.
    — Paras J. Haji, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The dessert makers are hoping to have another record-breaking year.
    — Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of hope

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Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of aim for Spanish Speakers

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