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
This is the second flight of the first-stage booster, which will aim for a recovery landing back at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Landing Zone 1. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025 Thus, like the SIFF itself, the Golden Goblet Forum aims to serve as an annual platform for intellectual exchange, where guests from various fields offer suggestions for the high-quality development of Chinese cinema and seek common development from their respective perspectives. —Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Noun
Senate Republicans must now weigh whether to include the House's proposals in their own bill, with the aim of getting it through the chamber by July 4. —Julie Appleby, NPR, 11 June 2025 The aim is to establish Karlovy Vary as a hub for co-productions and creative collaborations across diverse narrative forms. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 10 June 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
  • Due to advances in casting technology, changes in social conditions and evolutions in regional taste, new fashions in ritual bronze casting arose.
    — Jane Levere, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Kirkpatrick, whose credits include Prime Video’s Daisy Jones & The Six, resists casting any of her four leads in roles as easy as victim or villain.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
Definition of cast
Verb
  • The resulting images and video are intended to be used as reference files for the real thing, so that astronauts and imaging technicians can better understand what camera settings to use, and how large the resulting image or video files might be when transmitted.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2025
  • The period is intended to prevent market manipulation and to ensure potential investors receive relevant information from the company’s prospectus.
    — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • The goal being to have 30 teams all in a position, if well-managed, to be competing for championships.
    — Sam Amick, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • However, the ultimate goal is to turn these into relays mounted on drones flying at high altitudes to direct the power where needed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
  • Mel Brooks Brooks wrote, directed and played two roles in 1987's 'Star Wars' spoof 'Spaceballs' with John Candy as Barf.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Definition of direct
Verb
  • Matson's father and stepmother aren't planning on attending the ceremony.
    — David Oliver, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • One group — which registered itself as the Maryland Environment, Labor and Industry Coalition — planned to challenge the Next Generation Energy Act, and focus its campaign on trash incinerators, which will no longer receive a renewable energy subsidy under the law.
    — Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • The unusually large influx of immigrants in detention meant a backlog was created at the office in Burlington, causing people arrested on an immigration violation to be held for days in a facility unequipped for the purpose, according to lawyers for the detainees.
    — Ben Adler, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • While these measures aim to increase efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating administrative burdens, DEI may have served a crucial purpose in enhancing VA services to its underserved veteran communities.
    — Cristina Johnson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • With Aaron Rodgers officially signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’s set for some pretty fun reunions on the 2025 schedule.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
  • Bidault not only relies on outside perspective, but worked to establish a bond with the artist that set the film on track to uncover his peculiar fascinations and obsessions.
    — Holly Jones, Variety, 9 June 2025
Definition of set
Verb
  • On assignment for People magazine in 2005, Weiss attempts to sneak onto Brad Pitt’s beachfront compound in Santa Barbara, hoping to grab some tasty morsels about the megastar’s new relationship with Jolie.
    — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • For a year and a half, Berg held to that promise, stalling, negotiating with her network bosses and her sponsors, hoping the crisis would blow over.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 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 18 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of aim for Spanish Speakers

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