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 The goal isn’t to let AI assign grades or replace managers. David Ferrucci, Fortune, 30 June 2025 Similar to a puzzle, the goal is for kids to arrange the strings in a way that fits within the board’s pattern. Laura Lu, Parents, 30 June 2025 Salsbury insists the goal is never to take over but to free them up. Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 30 June 2025 Our goals are to return to holding youth accountable for their actions while simultaneously providing them with the necessary resources and programming to get them back on track for success. Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for goal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goal
Noun
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
  • Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The aim of the lawsuit is to restore the original recommendation for children and pregnant women to receive COVID shots.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2025
  • Work on the Camp Nou began in June 2023, with the aim of modernising the ground while increasing its capacity to 105,000, which would be the largest in European football.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Managers were taught to plan — but in a world defined by constant change, plans change.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Worries about environmental effects have also been at the forefront, as groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and the Friends of the Everglades filed a lawsuit Friday to halt the detention center plans.
    Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Another objective is to provide the city’s residents with cheap and healthy food.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Scientific objectives include gaining an understanding of the Reiner Gamma swirl mini-magnetosphere region and its magnetic and plasma properties. TBD, 2025: Blue Origin New Glenn carrying Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1), a single-launch, lunar cargo lander that remains on the surface.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • From deep cuts to dance floor favorites, expect genre-blending sets and energy that moves with intention.
    Essence, Essence, 7 July 2025
  • But showing up authentically and with intention often leaves the strongest impression.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Not proving that intent could mean a lesser conviction like criminally negligent homicide with a 1-2 year prison sentence or reckless homicide at 2-4 years at the time.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • As for e-bikes and electric scooters, the village is following state law with no intent currently to take local action, East Dundee Police Chief Joshua Fourdyce said.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • This fictional speech offers concrete policy ideas for reducing the deficit, generating new revenue and increasing government efficiency.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025
  • Either way, there is much buzz about his big-picture ideas.
    Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Showcasing over 350 spectacular jewels and bejeweled objects, the vast and varied Victoria and Albert exhibit burnishes the Cartier brand and is attracting hordes, despite its steep ticket prices.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • The agency recommends against carrying any metal objects, including umbrellas.
    Kerry Breen July 5, CBS News, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on goal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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