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aim

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noun

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

Examples 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 aims to save photo editors from the multi-step drudgery of editing faces. PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 Online, suspicion was often aimed at the victims’ family members as well as unaffiliated Delphi residents and men across the US — anyone and everyone who bore a passing resemblance to the sketch. Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
Thanks to its greening efforts, nearly half of its land is covered in vegetation in its aim to foster biodiversity and improve residents’ quality of life. Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 That’s a far cry from the existing, maximalist war aim of eliminating Hamas’ military and governance capabilities. Mick Krever, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aim 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aim
Verb
  • The gap in votes cast by the mayor’s critics and her supporters could be seen as a kind of backlash to progressive politics in one of California’s most diverse cities.
    Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Alongside the power couple, two Nolan faves have also been cast: Anne Hathaway, who was in both The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar, and Matt Damon, of Interstellar and Oppenheimer.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Her kids are also receiving a more significant portion of the estate than was intended.
    R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Given the laptop-class CPU and GPU, only the RAM and storage are intended to be readily user-accessible—the chips are locked down and facing toward the cooling system that occupies the other half of the case.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Thinness and ultra-portability have never been primary goals for the larger MacBook Pro, instead showcasing how much power Apple can cram into a mobile computer.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Related:Why party members are focused on flipping these seats on Louisville's Metro Council District 18: Marilyn Parker likely beats Mera Corlett Incumbent Marilyn Parker, a Republican, seems to have kept her seat despite the Jefferson County Democratic Party's goal of flipping it blue.
    Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • When reached for comment via Instagram, Thorpe directed NBC News to a post on Tippet’s page announcing his death.
    Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • When games are close, Malone’s reflex is to turn around, scan his bench and direct Jokic to the scorer’s table.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Make sure to plan some all-day sits during this window.
    Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group plans to continue to hold discussions with industry players into next year.
    Michael Kan, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Brendan’s devotion to his men is inextricable from his purpose in the army, but the lofty Gerry sees it as a weakness.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
  • These extensions have been funded primarily by loans from Water On Demand, Inc. Fortune Rise Acquisition Corporation is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger or similar business combination.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Denver Public Schools sets public meetings at each of 10 schools up for closure or restructuring The school board will vote whether to close seven schools on Nov. 21; Marrero doesn’t need the board’s approval to restructure the other three schools.
    Jessica Seaman, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Without offering details, Newsom urged the State Legislature to set aside additional funding for the California Department of Justice in anticipation of a potential flurry of litigation against the Trump administration.
    Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The team hoped the animals could particularly help within bringing to the surface vital, fertilizing microorganisms such as endosymbiotic rhizobial bacteria and Mycorrhizal fungi.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Bratcher hopes to be involved with planning and zoning, road issues and spending time on constituent services.
    Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near aim

Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on aim

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