TARGETING Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

targeting

verb

present participle of target

as in harassing

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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 targeting Taylor, a fluid 6-foot-5, is already the Jets’ second-best receiver and plays with a quarterback, Justin Fields, who is prone to targeting tight ends — fifth-highest tight end target rate since 2021, and Cole Kmet had a career-high 719 yards with Fields as his quarterback in 2023. — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for targeting

Verb

Two months later, Zaayer moved into a home across the street and continued harassing Shawna and David, as well as their other family members who lived nearby.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
On Tuesday night, after harassing them the night before at their team hotel, Mexico sent Ecuador packing in a Round of 32 match at Mexico City Stadium.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of harassing

Verb

There was one from Spain–Portugal in Dallas, with [Spanish defensive midfielder] Rodri and [Portuguese midfielder] Bernardo Silva, where one of them was taunting the other.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Hendry sang, taunting Austin Theory, Logan Paul, Paul Heyman and even Brock Lesnar.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of taunting

Verb

Rumor has it that Steve Spurrier could be the favorite, which would be hilarious given Spurrier's history of tormenting the Vols.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
But the man hung himself, most likely due to Duncan tormenting him relentlessly like a jock pranking a nerd in an ‘80s campus comedy.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 12 Apr. 2026

Definition of tormenting

Verb

Palestra is excellent at baiting defenders into committing to a tackle before racing past them.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 27 June 2026
The problem with Fishback’s ideas is that many spring from rage-baiting rhetoric that has little to do with Florida’s current reality— but could attract people who might not otherwise vote.

— Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026

Definition of baiting

Verb

Bonner brought the bull market with him to CSUF, bringing his pressing, pestering and passionate style of play to a fanbase starved for success.

— Brian Robin, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
The character, Günter Van Ellis (Ivan Sherry), is seen pestering Oh Father (Daveed Diggs) and Homelander at the White House.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026

Definition of pestering

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targeted

targeting

targets

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“Targeting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/targeting. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of targeting

verb

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