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

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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 These are just a few of the financial barriers that deter applicants and lead as many as one-quarter of the nation’s aspiring physicians to reconsider enrollment or to switch to nonclinical career paths. — Marj Halperin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Ade, a devout Christian and the family’s sole breadwinner, struggles to understand her younger sister Titi, an aspiring singer whose independent spirit challenges convention. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 Hinterland University gives aspiring music-industry professionals a closer look at that side of live entertainment. — Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Additionally, ReedPop is making select professional programming panels available to fans for the first time through the Aspiring Professional Program on Saturday and Sunday to help support aspiring industry professionals. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspire

Verb

Sebastian Kim, head of the content business Unit at CJ ENM, said the series had opened a door the company intends to keep pushing through.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
The city of Norman sought new funding from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office to continue A Better Way, a project intended as an alternative to panhandling.

— Jake Ramsey, Oklahoma Watch, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of intend

Verb

But rising bond yields make safer government debt more attractive relative to stocks, while also reducing the present value investors assign to companies’ future earnings.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
At the same time, waste is still piling up and resale’s environmental footprint is rising.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

After passing through Denver, expect to ascend the Rockies, glide over Utah’s salt flats, past red rock canyons, and along the Sierra Nevadas.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
While both the primary and secondary suites live on the main level, an ascending staircase leads you up to a dedicated workspace and additional sleeping accommodations courtesy of a sleeper sofa.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of ascend

Verb

The battery can be removed from beneath the seat, which means riders don't necessarily have to park the entire motorcycle beside an electrical outlet and hope the extension cord is long enough.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
The challenges also come as Democrats hope to take control of at least one of the chambers of Congress in November’s midterm elections.

— Margie Cullen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of hope

Verb

After successfully climbing over some large rocks and a fence, Bellin made her way to the East Shore Bike Trail and walked barefoot and injured back to the beach.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
When summer hits and strong afternoon light pours through west- and south-facing glass, all that natural light turns into heat and your electric bill climbs with it.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of climb

Verb

Sure, pedicures get more playtime over the summer, but that doesn’t mean your toes don’t deserve the same attention once temperatures drop.

— Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Max leaves less than three hours before the new charter’s arrival, which means that Sandy is immediately on the phone with Norma from Yachting Staffing.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of mean

Verb

Or, more specifically, in its central courtyard, admiring a soaring installation of a gridded wooden sculpture.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Officials in Pattaya, where international tourist arrivals have dropped because of travel disruptions and soaring fuel prices stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, say the visit is expected to inject about $3 million into the local economy.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of soar

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aspirations

aspire

aspired

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Style

“Aspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspire. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of aspire

verb

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