target 1 of 2

noun

ˈtär-gət How to pronounce target (audio)
Definition of targetnext
1
as in victim
a person or thing that is the object of abuse, criticism, or ridicule the hapless vice president quickly became the favorite target of late-night comedians

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of a badly made TV commercial that became the target of lots of jokes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish our target is to raise $100,000 for a new playground by August

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

target

2 of 2

verb

as in to taunt

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Dissimilar Words

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 target
Noun
Disliked, even hated, by millions of his countrymen, and despised by possibly billions abroad, Trump has a target on his back. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 The missile has previously been used to target energy infrastructure, military production facilities, and other strategic targets. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Luce Wand combines red and blue light therapy, microcurrent, warming therapy and vibration to help tone, lift and target blemishes with consistent use. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 Former attorneys in the division said the desire to target California was obvious to them. — Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for target
Recent Examples of Synonyms for target
  1. victim
  2. joke
  3. goal
  4. taunt
  5. prey
  6. fool
  7. aim
  8. harass
Noun
  • The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel previously alleged that there were 44 victims throughout 2025.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The victim, a 15-year-old female, was home with her 5-year-old and 7-year-old family members when Reyes violently made entry into the residence after breaking a hole in the wall between the apartments.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of victim
Noun
  • The jokes have continued nearly nonstop — and not all are coming from the man in the can with a 20-point plan.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There is nothing, no drama, no insight, not even a joke other than the one NeNe makes about Porsha swimming in the lady pond.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • Daniel Arcila scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute, and Club León advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a 3-2 win over Inter Miami, which saw star Lionel Messi return following the death of his father.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Your heart is in the right place, and the goal is a good one.
    — Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of goal
Verb
  • His gruff mechanic Cooter Davenport is introduced as a hell-raising, uncouth wild man, constantly taunting the authorities and flouting convention.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The woman is then shown on the ground as the person behind the camera continues to taunt her and appears to strike her again.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of taunt
Noun
  • Humpback whales create bubble clouds to corral their prey and then lunge through the center to swallow the small fish.
    — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
  • African lions are considered vulnerable, zoo officials said, adding that their population has decreased by 50% over the last 25 years because of habitat loss, loss of prey and conflicts between humans and lions.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of prey
Noun
  • Pyrite, commonly known as fool’s gold, is an unusual semiconductor.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a version of this character that’s just the fool, and you’re disconnected from him, but Matthew takes you on a journey with this character.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of fool
Noun
  • The aim has been to make clear the limitations and pitfalls of the available military options, including those that do not involve putting US boots on the ground, the sources said.
    — Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The improved terminal guidance also allows the drones to strike more precise aim points, increasing the effectiveness of even relatively small warheads.
    — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of aim
Verb
  • The Houthis declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia last month and have been routinely harassing shipping since.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026
  • There has also been a long list of law enforcement officers across the country who have used the database created by Flock, and other license plate reader companies, to make personal searches and stalk and harass people.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of harass

Browse Nearby Words

tardy
target
targeted
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Cite this Entry

“Target.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/target. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of target for Spanish Speakers

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