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
  • But the main purpose of the tower is to add more beds, Northwestern wrote in the application.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • There’s a sense of purpose now for me that wasn’t there before.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The aim is to remove tariffs and other trade barriers to ease the movement of goods in a continent of around 1.5 billion inhabitants.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
  • For them, the aim is not to hinder the use of AI, but to provide a voice for their members who want a seat at the table and an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with employers to ensure that AI use supports rather than harms employees.
    Oludolapo Makinde, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 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
  • But showing up authentically and with intention often leaves the strongest impression.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
  • From deep cuts to dance floor favorites, expect genre-blending sets and energy that moves with intention.
    Essence, Essence, 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
  • Trump has also expressed intent to resume diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Great to wear unbuttoned as a beach cover-up or buttoned as a stylish shirt on its own, a linen button-down is always a good idea to include in your suitcase.
    Amber Love Bond, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
  • This idea reflects Glass’s approach to whisky making.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • The agency recommends against carrying any metal objects, including umbrellas.
    Kerry Breen July 5, CBS News, 5 July 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goal. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on goal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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