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
For my youngest’s terrible handwriting, that meant aiming for legibility and saving the time that could have gone toward cursive lessons for activities that animate her, such as building boats and airplanes from the contents of the recycling bin. —Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025 Moments later, prosecutors said during a bench trial this week, the two men aimed their guns, then fired. —Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
The aim was to spur U.S. manufacturing, reduce a trade imbalance and punish China for trade practices Trump said were unfair. —Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025 To accomplish these aims, Washington could support the development of mechanisms tailored to each country’s needs that can screen investments for national security concerns. —Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 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
  • The eight-episode project also has been quietly casting, with relative newcomer Summer H. Howell (Hunter Hunter) in negotiations for the title character, Carrie White, and Siena Agudong (Resident Evil) set as her nemesis, Sue Snell.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In Grand Junction, the new regime cast a fresh eye on the rare fish.
    — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of cast
Verb
  • And, President Trump intends to scale back monies for state and local governments while pushing more costs on states and cities.
    — Eric J. Gertler, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • While the Senate spending cuts are set at just around $4 billion, the House intends to cut at least $1.5 trillion.
    — Claudia Grisales, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • The goal, encouraged by the Boise Police Department, was to reinforce the message that gang activity wasn’t welcome, Gilbert said in an interview.
    — Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Be open to learning from experience, from customers and from the market itself, and adjust your goals, personality and identity as necessary.
    — Sabine Leveiller, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • The latter got the music video treatment with explosive visuals directed by Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, and Brendan Walter, with cinematography by Benoît Debie.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Armstrong wrote and directed Mountainhead and executive produces with Frank Rich, Lucy Prebble, Jon Brown, Tony Roche, Will Tracy, Mark Mylod and Jill Footlick.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of direct
Verb
  • The original start date was planned earlier, and the season would have been much easier to work in.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
  • To add insult to injury, the NCAA does not plan on paying the full amount in cash.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • More than this perhaps, as Sara Halpern, visiting assistant professor of history at St. Olaf college, wrote to me, the attack had a broader purpose.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The purpose of the show was to reach across the aisle and form connections between un-like-minded people.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • In an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday, Dimon said rising interest rates, sticky inflation, and widening credit spreads are setting the stage for a wave of financial strain among U.S. companies.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Their trial, originally set for next week, has been postponed until July.
    — Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of set
Verb
  • Now Versace will be part of the Prada family and hope to experience the same growth as its parent company, as last year, revenues at Prada Group jumped 15 percent, to more than $6 billion.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Road to Palmyra After years of violence, Syrians hope to restore the ancient city in the desert.
    — The Dial, The Dial, 10 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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