ASPIRE Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

aspire

verb

ə-ˈspī(-ə)r

Definition of aspire

as in to intend

to have in mind as a purpose or goal aspire to great deeds, and you have a better chance of doing good deeds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to rise

to move or extend upward a tower aspiring towards the heavens

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 aspire Should designers, who work in an industry that is one of the biggest culprits for greenhouse gas emissions, at least be making clothes that people could reasonably aspire to wear in the hellfire summers to come? — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 O’Sullivan could have directed his energy to renovating the houses, clearing the titles, and renting them out to a then-burgeoning market of aspiring influencers. — Paula Aceves, Curbed, 26 June 2026 Cressy has additionally established the nonprofit, Privileged Pilots Project, an organization dedicated to helping aspiring pilots with health and life challenges achieve their dreams. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026 In 1976 a group of UCLA students, aspiring actors and other friends formed Doc Feeney’s All Stars, a hobby softball team that over five decades has evolved into a surrogate family. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspire

Verb

The end of Temporary Protected Status — a program intended to protect people in the event of a natural disaster — heightened concerns about deportation to a country that is reeling after twin earthquakes from June 24.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
If Washington intends to withdraw forces, assets or capabilities, allies need a roadmap and a timeline.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Definition of intend

Verb

Roki Sasaki’s abysmal appearance faded away in the Dodgers’ 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night, but only after the National League West leaders rose from a catatonic first inning.

— Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
The rising death toll comes as criticism of the government’s response continues to intensify.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth planned to announce at a June NATO meeting even steeper cuts that could add up to the one-third reduction Trump raised, according to two sources.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Defense attorneys argued during the trial that the defendants planned a peaceful protest and noise demonstration with fireworks to show support for people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

— Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

Definition of plan

Verb

An autopsy later determined the cause of Grant’s shocking death, at just 49 years old, to be a ruptured ascending aortic aneurysm.

— Sam McDowell July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Weather conditions prevented a helicopter rescue so three rangers ascended on foot, the Forest Service said.

— Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of ascend

Verb

Kean will face Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in November for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, a toss-up district Democrats hope to flip.

— Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Meanwhile, the Warriors hope to get a commitment from James on Tuesday but had not received that commitment as of early afternoon, per ESPN.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of hope

Verb

The typical age of a first-time buyer climbed to 40, an all-time high.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Facing growing criticism over military restrictions in disaster zones, Venezuela’s interim government on Thursday defended its decision to militarize the state of La Guaira as the death toll from last week’s earthquakes climbed to 2,595.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of climb

Verb

So Balogun had drawn a red card in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, meaning he would be suspended for the following game — Monday’s match.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
There, the hotel’s overarching theme of kisetsukan, meaning seasonal awareness, is felt most evidently at Iñaki.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of mean

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aspire

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“Aspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspire. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of aspire

verb

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