Synonyms for

Aspire

Verb / ʌˈspaɪr / Another word for aspire — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something.

Synonyms & similar words

drawabeadon shootfor aim aim strive desire hope yearn dream seek long crave wish hanker covet ambition goal target object purpose endeavor plan pursue

Synonyms by register

Formal

strive aim endeavor seek

Informal

go for reach for set sights on

Literary

yearn pant long

Antonyms

despair relinquish abandon give up quit surrender resign

Common collocations

  • aspire to greatness
  • aspire to be
  • aspire to achieve
  • aspire to leadership
  • aspire to higher things
  • aspire to success
  • aspire to a career

Word family

noun aspiration
verb aspire
adjective aspirational

Usage note

Often followed by 'to' and an infinitive verb or a noun phrase. It implies a strong desire for something significant or high-achieving.

Example sentences

  1. She aspires to be a famous singer one day.
  2. He has always aspired to be a successful businessman.
  3. They aspire to make the world a better place.
  4. I aspire to learn a new language this year.
  5. She aspires to travel the world and experience different cultures.

Quotes

  • Don't aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference. - Denzel Washington
  • Dream big and dare to fail. - Norman Vaughan
  • Aspire not to have more but to be more. - Oscar Romero

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