Definition of aspirationnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word aspiration different from other nouns like it?

The words ambition and pretension are common synonyms of aspiration. While all three words mean "strong desire for advancement," aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself.

an aspiration to become president someday

When is it sensible to use ambition instead of aspiration?

Although the words ambition and aspiration have much in common, ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire.

driven by ambition

In what contexts can pretension take the place of aspiration?

While in some cases nearly identical to aspiration, pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption.

has literary pretensions

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 aspiration The Bruins took their frustrations out on an overmatched opponent Tuesday night at Pauley Pavilion, winning 98-66 in the fifth of a six-game West Coast swing that is crucial to their NCAA tournament aspirations. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 Psychologists who study the nature of ambition have consistently found that aspirations are motivating in proportion to their attainability. Franklin Schneider, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026 Former Dallas general manager Nico Harrison had envisioned Davis, a 10-time All-Star, as the defensive anchor on a team with championship aspirations. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026 Emma Diaz grew up in Kendall with aspirations of competing in gymnastics at the Olympics. James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiration
Noun
  • The scale is intended to support both existing services and future AI ambitions without building separate facilities for each.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • That doesn’t signal a lack of ambition or commitment.
    Ashley Herd, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • If your goal is to get at the truth, or at least our closest approximation of it at the present time, the way to do that is to be scrupulous and forthright about the strengths and weaknesses of every link in your chain of argument.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The goal of any action, however, remains something of a mystery.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Nevertheless, laid low by cancer and the claim battle, Karen Powers continued on in the job that had provided her with a lifelong sense of meaning and purpose.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • SpaceX plans to use its Starship system for the task — the largest spacecraft and rocket system ever built, and the vehicle that Musk says is purpose-made for taking people to Mars.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In creating the following list of books to be classed under the heading of essential Afghan reading, my aim was to highlight books that focus on the human.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Seizing on the frigid weather, Russia has launched an all-out assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with the apparent aim of keeping up pressure amid ongoing peace negotiations—and sapping public morale.
    Michael Holtz, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Football fans, now is the time to set yourself a reminder to make early Valentine’s Day plans for next year.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Republicans last year cut about $1 trillion over a decade from Medicaid and declined to extend covid-19-era subsidies that had lowered the cost of health plans under the Affordable Care Act.
    ALI SWENSON, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Landing in Forum, known for championing formally ambitious and politically challenging cinema, aligned with Anwar’s intentions.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Even if all these sunny promises are enshrined in contracts, built into budgets, and consecrated with good intentions, there are still plenty of ways the whole project could go kerflooey.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The jury was also unable to reach a verdict for charges faced by Corner, who was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent for hitting a police sergeant with a sledgehammer.
    Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
  • No matter what the intent of their performance together is, Gaga and Bad Bunny are two artists who understand both the musical and the political implications of each other’s work.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In 1906, efforts to combine the desert landscapes led to a proposal to make New Mexico and Arizona into a single state, but Arizona voters overwhelmingly rejected this idea and continued to fight for their own statehood.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • It's also linked with ideas about women and their sexuality and consumption.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspiration. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on aspiration

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!