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

Relevance

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
Face yoga is a series of facial exercises aimed at strengthening, toning, and relaxing the facial muscles. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2025 Traditional school leaders are bracing for the impact of revenue losses expected from Senate Bill 1, aimed at property tax reform. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
Nan confronts Nell about the truth, primarily with the aim of getting Nell to agree to testify at Nan's mother's divorce trial. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 30 July 2025 The aim is to fund projects such as a new scoreboard in the gym, glass backboards, shoes for the athletes, coaching stipends, practice shirts, transportation, equipment and clothing. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 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
  • At least 279 ballots had been cast at early voting centers by lunchtime July 28, according to Daniel Baxter, the Detroit Elections Department chief of operations, adding that the city expects to receive between 1,250 and 1,750 early voting ballots.
    — Dana Afana, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
  • They're cast as hard-rock goofballs who take a radio station hostage with water pistols filled with hot sauce to get their demo tape played.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Definition of cast
Verb
  • According to Renaissance Capital, cornerstone investors intend to purchase 20% of the shares in the offering.
    — Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • Tuesday’s hearing is intended to determine what lessons could be learned from the investigation, what changes are necessary to make the system better and what challenges lie ahead.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • After all, performance reviews often come with structured agendas, metrics and formal goals.
    — Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Although the artist had specific weight loss goals, her primary focus is her mental health.
    — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 July 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • The southern flow of the Everglades would direct floodwaters toward Alligator Alcatraz, where the Tamiami Trail acts as a dam, stacking water up.
    — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Then, on a dangerous free kick whipped in by Izzy Rodriguez just five minutes later, Ball’s glancing header directed the ball into the net.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of direct
Verb
  • The school plans to kick off the upcoming high school football season with the new seating, which replaced crumbling concrete bleachers that were estimated at roughly 50 years old.
    — Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
  • At a July 23 capital improvements committee meeting, questions were raised about why a report from the county's facilities planning steering committee recommended projects tied to maintenance and repairs at senior facilities be put on hold or not recommended at all for the 2026 budget.
    — Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • Cities, on the other hand, can use money paid to public utility companies for that purpose.
    — Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 1 Aug. 2025
  • At Moody, the theology major found purpose leading weekly devotionals in her dorm, guiding her peers in prayer.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 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
  • Buc-ee’s is hoping to open its 24/7 store and fueling plaza in early 2027 and is expected to employ between 175 and 225 full-time workers.
    — Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
  • Vashti Trujillo was hoping to get a master's degree.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Definition of hope

Browse Nearby Words

ails
aim
aimed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on aim

Nglish: Translation of aim for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
iykyk if you know you know slang written in a neon
Quiz: Abbreviation Station TFW you have to figure out what 15 abbreviations ...
See All