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
The Board of Review actively promotes homeowner education and conducts numerous outreach efforts, particularly aimed at underserved communities. —George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 The project will include affordable housing and units aimed at local workers. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
Noun
In particular, malware presents a significant challenge because its goal is to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, often with the aim of exploiting money or information from the device's owner. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 The main aim is to start road-testing some new songs at festivals. —Sophie Williams, Billboard, 8 May 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
  • In many municipalities, local governing bodies are casting the deciding vote.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2025
  • Production originally planned to cast another actor to play Jacob in the remaining four films.
    — Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 3 May 2025
Definition of cast
Verb
  • What was intended to be a private moment became a raw, honest portrayal of the bittersweet reality of being far from home.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • The organization instead touted the 5K for Kirk, an alternative race intended to raise funds for the deputy and his family.
    — Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • On the Inter Milan side, Lautaro Martinez is tied for fifth with eight goals.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • The goal, as a viewer, was to absorb the barrage of stimuli and forgo active comprehension.
    — Andrew Lampert, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • Please direct any questions to Chairman Barbara Tillman RPBCchairman@BentonCountyGOP.org.
    — Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • Burton is directing episodes of Wednesday season 2, premiering Aug. 6. on Netflix. Which cast members are returning for Beetlejuice 3?
    — Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
Definition of direct
Verb
  • The community was planning to shoot a video on May 2 to invite the crew.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • The organization plans to back GLP-1s like Wegovy and Zepbound to treat obesity in adults as part of a shift in addressing the global obesity epidemic, as reported by Reuters.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.
    — Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Yes, ballet, jazz, hip hop, African and tap are on the syllabus—but so is purpose.
    — Melissa Noel, Essence, 9 May 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Before kicking off her new world tour, Lady Gaga sets a new record: with 2.5 million people in attendance, her show on Brazil' Copacabana Beach is reportedly the biggest independent concert by a female artist ever.
    — Mario Manca, Glamour, 4 May 2025
  • First, the facilitator sets some ground rules for the meeting.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
Definition of set
Verb
  • The Packers needed defensive end help and hope the 6-foot-3, 256-pound Sorrell can provide some.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Zack Littell hopes to prevent that, as he’s scheduled to start for Tampa Bay.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 3 May 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 15 May. 2025.

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