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
Since then, humanitarian aid – aimed at funding urgent needs through non-profit organizations and bypassing government control – filled some of the gap. —Alysha Bibi, CNN Money, 19 July 2025 The benefit raised over $125 million for hunger relief aimed at Africa. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
The aim is to create a robust system that can operate autonomously, navigate tough terrain and adapt to changing conditions. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025 When no answers appeared, the search for Amy went off the boat and toward countless possibilities — drugs, illicit romance, murder, even human trafficking — all with the aim of answering her family’s all-consuming questions. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 July 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
  • But what to do about all of the votes cast the first week or two?
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The new Superman casts questions of power, romance, and decency against a very traditional comic book setting, and so does All Superheroes Need PR.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of cast
Verb
  • According to Renaissance Capital, cornerstone investors intend to purchase 20% of the shares in the offering.
    — Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • Tuesday’s hearing is intended to determine what lessons could be learned from the investigation, what changes are necessary to make the system better and what challenges lie ahead.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • After all, performance reviews often come with structured agendas, metrics and formal goals.
    — Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Although the artist had specific weight loss goals, her primary focus is her mental health.
    — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 July 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • The duo are filming a project that Holmes is directing — marking her latest behind-the-camera effort after Alone Together (2022) and Rare Objects (2023).
    — Jen Juneau, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • Arjona comes to the project after starring in the studio’s thriller Blink Twice, directed by Zoë Kravitz, as well as its upcoming series Criminal.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 July 2025
Definition of direct
Verb
  • At a July 23 capital improvements committee meeting, questions were raised about why a report from the county's facilities planning steering committee recommended projects tied to maintenance and repairs at senior facilities be put on hold or not recommended at all for the 2026 budget.
    — Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • The school plans to kick off the upcoming high school football season with the new seating, which replaced crumbling concrete bleachers that were estimated at roughly 50 years old.
    — Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
  • In addition to being easier to use, steamers can serve a dual purpose; the steam acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating not only wrinkles but also odor-causing bacteria.
    — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Tonight the castle was lit up like a movie set with klieg lights and scores of Cinecittà extras vamping as cardinals.
    — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Marie Nino, a professional hairstylist based in New York City, recommends Virtue Flourish’s shampoo and conditioner set for reinforcing strands without leaving them feeling coated or crunchy.
    — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 July 2025
Definition of set
Verb
  • It is hoped none has the problems that beset the apartments on Sycamore Drive.
    — Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Ultimately, Williams hopes readers come away from Martyr Loser King with more than aesthetic awe.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 14 July 2025
Definition of hope

Browse Nearby Words

ails
aim
aimed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aim. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of aim for Spanish Speakers

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