goal

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 Senate Bill 161 also requires the Regional Transportation District to align itself with state climate goals, establish worker-retention goals and develop ways to measure its progress on reaching those aims. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 13 May 2025 By cutting $260 million, ARPA-E can dedicate its resources to funding a narrower set of high-risk, high-reward programs that could make a significant contribution to America’s energy goals. Jack Spencer, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025 Ovechkin’s blast got the NHL’s career goals leader on the scoresheet for the first time in the series. Aaron Beard, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025 The Lyon goal should rightly rectify his legacy at United and hopefully earn him the respect from those outside of the club who have often so unfairly chided and ridiculed him. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for goal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goal
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The food connoisseur knew her purpose was in the kitchen from an early age and has steadfastly surrendered to that journey ever since.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Launched in 2024 with the aim of addressing the needs of the 50-and-older club, Myne Beauty debuted direct-to-consumer with two skin care products — a $49 hydrating serum and a $48 night cream formulated with retinol, vitamin C and peptides.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
  • Israel's launch of another offensive in Gaza in recent days with the aim of returning the hostages comes amid international condemnation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu government's 11-week blockade of the area.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Jurado, now on the council, praised the spending plan, then voted for it.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Despite international pressure, including calls from the Trump administration for a ceasefire, Russia’s strategic objective in the war in Ukraine remains unchanged: to seize more ground, even up to the outskirts of Kyiv.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Protection of the Skibo and Hoyt Lakes communities remains a priority operational objective.
    Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Consider adopting this framework, which is rooted in alignment, intention and daily practice.
    Tia Smith, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Eight months later, in January 2020, the couple announced their intentions to step back from their working royal roles.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • The intent from day one was to have no uncertainty in the dugout and to keep Maresca in place.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Region Matters Rosé can be made almost anywhere, but some growing regions produce it with more precision and intent.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • House and Senate lawmakers keep circulating big ideas that would go well beyond a narrow fix — and cost taxpayers many billions in doing so.
    David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • While many celebrity documentaries are innocuous self-celebrations produced by the subjects or by their estates, in a more open arrangement, the person behind the camera may have leave to form and express their own ideas about the person in front of it.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • This is because denser material pulls more strongly on nearby objects, while less dense material exerts a weaker pull.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025
  • New safety features include 3D Around-View Monitor with moving object detection on the Luxe and higher models.
    Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goal. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on goal

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