goal

noun

ˈgōl How to pronounce goal (audio)
Definition of goalnext
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish leaving the world a better place than I found it is one of my main goals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun goal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of goal are aim, design, end, intention, intent, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When could aim be used to replace goal?

The meanings of aim and goal largely overlap; however, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When is it sensible to use design instead of goal?

The words design and goal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When can end be used instead of goal?

While the synonyms end and goal 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

In what contexts can intent take the place of goal?

The words intent and goal can be used in similar contexts, but intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When might intention be a better fit than goal?

While in some cases nearly identical to goal, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of goal?

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 is objective a more appropriate choice than goal?

The synonyms objective and goal are sometimes interchangeable, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When would purpose be a good substitute for goal?

Although the words purpose and goal have much in common, 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 goal Other scores: Bolles 20, Timber Creek 4 Girls Lacrosse Bartram Trail 12, Bishop Moore 6 Buzz: Lizzie Scalzo had a goal and an assist for the Hornets (5-3) while Sam Wilson had 13 saves at keeper. —Buddy Collings, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025 The 30-year-old defenseman, selected fourth overall in the 2013 NHL draft (two picks after the Panthers selected Aleksander Barkov) has 97 goals and 432 points over his 12-year NHL career. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025 Professional goals and business relationships must be reimagined as Venus goes retrograde. —USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025 Since then, Dubb Value has been known for helping companies execute acquisitions that meet their financial goals and protect their core values, leadership vision, and efficiency in operations. —Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goal
  1. purpose
  2. aim
  3. plan
  4. objective
  5. intention
  6. intent
  7. idea
  8. object
Noun
  • Liang’s vast, all-consuming solitude pierces through each of these phases, as does his unfulfilled yen for presence and purpose: Though this particular island time slips and stretches and swerves back and forth, no clear future ever materializes for him.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Social recognition is written by employees who are eager to shout to the rooftops about their colleagues – with the express purpose of sharing it.
    — Eric Mosley, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Common Sense Media was founded in 2003 as a nonprofit with an aim of reviewing and rating media and technology on its suitability for children.
    — Peter Greene, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But Thal’s recording was the first to be created in a professional capacity, with the aim of obtaining work for Dylan, said Bobby Livingston, an executive vice president at RR Auction.
    — Colin Moynihan, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Unfortunately, the German plan went awry, per the memorial website.
    — Erica Marrison, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Estate distribution among beneficiaries can be handled in various ways, with each state providing a default method and estate planning attorneys utilizing multiple strategies to tailor distribution plans.
    — Ashley Case, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • Altemus said the team will work closely with NASA to identify science objectives that are the highest priority.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Off Strategy Without proper direction or prompts (much like with a human employee), the output may not align with your goals and objectives.
    — Jennifer C. Wolfe, Esq., Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of objective
Noun
  • Family, friends, and organizations may also begin setting money aside with the intention of contributing it to the account in the individual’s name as of Jan. 1.
    — Cora Lewis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The reformulation, as most of them are, was done with good intentions: The original formula was made with talc, an ingredient many brands have moved away from due to concerns about asbestos contamination.
    — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of intention
Noun
  • That’s especially true as the DOGE budget-cutters rampaging through the Social Security Administration have stated their intent to cut the agency’s customer service budget, in part by closing field offices.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
  • That seizure came from the DOJ's Silk Road investigation, and the DOJ signaled its intent to go through with the sale as recently as January.
    — Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of intent
Noun
  • Chip and Joanna Gaines seem to have different ideas of fun at amusement parks!
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • This innovative idea allows companies to analyze and optimize their processes with real-time results rather than relying on subjective interviews.
    — Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • Keep a distance from water, wet articles, and metal objects.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The different colors of light can help scientists uncover the composition of celestial objects by isolating their chemical compounds.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of object

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Cite this Entry

“Goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on goal

Nglish: Translation of goal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goal

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