Synonyms of goal

goal

noun

ˈgōl 

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

• purpose
• aim
• plan
• objective
• intention
• intent
• idea
• object
• ambition
• dream
• thing
• target
• aspiration
• point
• meaning
• end
• ideal
• design
• mark
• project
• hope
• name of the game
• desire
• bourn
• pretension
• bourne
• scheme
• wish
• destination
• mind
• plot
• grail
• holy grail
• nirvana
• terminus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• method
• means
• way

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

Recent Examples of goal

Kennedy holds views that clash sharply with the president’s legal reform agenda and should appall anyone who supports the president’s goal of reforming America’s legal system. —Tiger Joyce, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025

Her exit leaves questions about the city's path forward on pressing climate goals. —Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 10 Sep. 2025

As news of these goals filtered through the stands in El Alto, Bolivian fans started to celebrate. —Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Since then, Beijing has refrained from referencing that goal in its official statements or documents, Zhao noted. —Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025