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
Instead of jail time, Ballot Measure 110 aimed to expand addiction treatment services in a state that ranked last in such offerings nationwide, through hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue redirected from a cannabis tax and savings resulting from reductions in arrests and incarceration. —Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025 Public Service Loan Forgiveness remains Despite Trump’s executive order in March aimed at limiting eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, the program remains intact. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
The groups that sued say this registration process is expressly to facilitate President Donald Trump’s aim of carrying out mass deportations of people in the country illegally. —Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025 Unfortunately, that chill appears to be the administration’s aim. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 9 Apr. 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
  • This week, the Lyrid meteor shower has taken over the night sky, casting shooting stars and fireballs darting overhead.
    — Alana Wise, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025
  • At the time, Sandoval, 42, was in a long-term relationship with fellow Vanderpump cast member and live-in girlfriend Ariana Madix.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of cast
Verb
  • How did the water tower come down? Crews had intended for the water tower, built in 1913 at 524 S. Osage St., to fall into an open plot of grass to the north, but the first attempt failed.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The resolution states that the city intends to enter into an agreement that complies with Florida law while remaining within the limits of the city’s budget.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • With 16 goals and five assists in 32 games, Bryan Mbeumo might already be in your ‘joy to watch’ list.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The seventh-place Lions are only below Chelsea on goal differential and have just a one-point deficit with Manchester City for the final Champions League spot.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • Following the sound, the officers were directed to a car wash on Van Brunt Boulevard, near I-70.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Executive branch heads were directed to report back regularly on its implementation.
    — Julia Mueller, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of direct
Verb
  • The new vehicle is also planned for eventual production in China and Europe, Reuters has previously reported.
    — Abhirup Roy, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Local clubs planned their yearly budgets around when their members could work the concession stands.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • And then there's still a question after that, of meaning and purpose.
    — Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its purposes.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services had recommended that investors vote against the payouts, expressing concerns about the process used to set the compensation.
    — Saeed Azhar and Arasu Kannagi Basil, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Both of these Olivier-winning stage shows are new adventures set amid global phenomenons, complete with cameos by familiar faces and live renditions of mind-bending spectacles — albeit for very different narrative contexts and with drastically distinct audience impacts.
    — Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of set
Verb
  • Even then, the Grizzlies will still be looking to make a statement in Game 2 on Tuesday, hoping to tie the series 1-1 before heading back to Memphis.
    — Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Last week, a Ninth Circuit panel denied a request by the administration for a stay in one of the cases, Shilling v. Trump, which was filed on behalf of seven transgender troops actively serving as well as an individual hoping to enlist.
    — Elena Moore, NPR, 22 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2025.

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