aspiring 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈspī-riŋ How to pronounce aspiring (audio)
Definition of aspiringnext
as in ambitious
having a strong desire for personal advancement an aspiring young pianist eager to win the prestigious competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aspiring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of aspire
1
as in planning
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
2
as in rising
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 aspiring
Adjective
That’s Edwin Gomez, a former Vista employee and an aspiring projectionist now volunteering with the city’s next big revival effort. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026 The plot is loosely based on the Black Dahlia murder, and the protagonist is an aspiring actress like Elizabeth Short. — Sarah Batcha, Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
Hinterland University gives aspiring music-industry professionals a closer look at that side of live entertainment. — Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Take the man behind the quote, Samir (Malik Elassal), who’s introduced as an aspiring FinTech bro in the middle of making amends for sleeping with a woman who was too drunk to consent. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspiring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspiring
  1. ambitious
  2. planning
  3. rising
  4. intending
  5. ascending
  6. looking
  7. climbing
  8. aiming
Adjective
  • Up to half of the more than 200,000 mountain glaciers — vast, slow moving rivers of ice that creep across the world’s peaks — are expected to disappear by the end of this century, even if ambitious climate goals are met.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Some argue that cultural norms of male leadership and even outright discrimination keep women from top roles, while others argue that women are less ambitious than men.
    — Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ambitious
Verb
  • Scenario planning moves from an annual event to a quarterly discipline.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The festival will also open one day earlier than in previous years, on Tuesday, October 6, giving audiences greater flexibility in planning their visits and screenings.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of planning
Verb
  • The bank said capacity constraints and rising competition are weighing on ASML, but that the stock remains a top pick.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Alexandria Eala, a rising global superstar, draws a new Filipino fanbase.
    — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of rising
Verb
  • Prosecutors said the witness was not intending to be inflammatory and asked that the jury be instructed to dismiss the statements from Heilbrun on her religion.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The supposedly knowing and intending AI now becomes a political actor.
    — Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of intending
Verb
  • 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
  • Before ascending the ladder at Business Affairs, Capifali did stints at the Department of Environment and the Chicago Commission on Animal Care and Control.
    — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ascending
Verb
  • Procapil brings biotinoyl tripeptide-1 together with botanical ingredients that help fortify follicles and anchor hair at the root, while Capixyl combines acetyl tetrapeptide-3 with red clover extract for stronger, denser-looking hair.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Just when things are looking dire for John and Sarah, the T-800 reboots on auxiliary power and shoots the T-1000 with a grenade launcher.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of looking
Verb
  • Chevron shares were little changed Wednesday after climbing 13% in the past three months and 39% in 2026.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • If containment is climbing while repeat contacts hold steady, the volume didn't go away.
    — Antony P Gregory, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of climbing
Verb
  • Manchester City are looking to wrap up their move for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, while Tottenham Hotspur are aiming to bring in Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, with Richarlison heading in the other direction.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The German team reached the second group stage on that occasion and will be aiming for a medal this time, though the absence of star player Satou Sabally is a major blow.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of aiming

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Cite this Entry

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

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