1
as in victims
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in jokes
a person or thing that is made fun of
a badly made TV commercial that became the target of lots of jokes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in goals
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of targets
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
During sentencing, Baskin dismissed the argument that the devices were used for purposes such as exploding targets and fireworks.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026
The building integrates perlite insulation, timber balcony structures, 500 sq m (5,400 sq ft) of photovoltaic panels, and a hybrid gas/heat pump system by Atlantic Systèmes, achieving around 60% energy self-sufficiency in compliance with France's RE2020 2025 [green building] targets.
—Adam Williams
may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2026
Since 2015, the program has doled out funds to nonprofits that are considered high-risk targets for violence and hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs or mission.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026
Some of the targets are people with pending criminal cases, Adam Linhardt, the sheriff’s office spokesman, said.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
IonQ’s official development roadmap targets 1,600 logical qubits by 2028 and up to 80,000 by 2030.
—Sandy Peng, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Both sides accuse the other of intentionally attacking civilian targets.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 14 May 2026
The economy is struggling, people are frustrated about internet disruptions and frequent Ukrainian attacks against targets deep inside the country are worrying some people.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Noun
With the deadline a little more than two months away, sources have said the Padres are compiling a list of potential targets every bit as ambitious as the past two seasons, when Preller made the team substantially better at the deadline.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
During sentencing, Baskin dismissed the argument that the devices were used for purposes such as exploding targets and fireworks.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026
The building integrates perlite insulation, timber balcony structures, 500 sq m (5,400 sq ft) of photovoltaic panels, and a hybrid gas/heat pump system by Atlantic Systèmes, achieving around 60% energy self-sufficiency in compliance with France's RE2020 2025 [green building] targets.
—Adam Williams
may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2026
Since 2015, the program has doled out funds to nonprofits that are considered high-risk targets for violence and hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs or mission.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026
Some of the targets are people with pending criminal cases, Adam Linhardt, the sheriff’s office spokesman, said.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
IonQ’s official development roadmap targets 1,600 logical qubits by 2028 and up to 80,000 by 2030.
—Sandy Peng, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Both sides accuse the other of intentionally attacking civilian targets.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 14 May 2026
The economy is struggling, people are frustrated about internet disruptions and frequent Ukrainian attacks against targets deep inside the country are worrying some people.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for targets
Noun
-
Newsom’s office said Thursday that the state is providing assistance to victims, family members and witnesses of the mosque shooting.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
The bodies of two people were found earlier this week, before crews recovered the remains of another six victims on Thursday, May 28, Longview fire chief Brad Hannig said in a press conference later that day.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch Johnny Carson poke fun at everyone, identify and support up-and-coming comics, entertain with clever and timeless skits, bring on musical guests and tell jokes.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
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The star has been the butt of too many mean jokes, the object of veneration and a muse for film and literary retellings that have elevated her into the realm of myth.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Both of those goals were assisted on by Jalen Chatfield.—
Matt Reigle,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
-
Miami leads the league with 39 goals, but the defense continues to be vulnerable, with 28 goals allowed.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
2 June 2026
Verb
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In the final episode of the season, Max taunts Pip on her way to Stanley’s funeral as his companion, a young blonde, laughs and drinks wine.—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
-
Newsom taunts Trump with multiple jabs as Florida redistricting fight ramps up.—
,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Finally, in the Oaxacan field test, the team showed that predatory wasps use the airborne distress signals to find their prey, but the relative importance of direct leaf defenses versus this indirect wasp recruitment isn’t clear.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2026
-
Gay men were portrayed as both predators and prey, feeding into dangerous stereotypes at a time when the community was fighting for survival.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
As Rose’s impoverished yet imperious mother Ruth, Parson’s dry deliveries offer great comic ballast to this ship of fools.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
-
McGinn sets high standards in training and during games and does not suffer fools.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While there is nothing particularly Jordanian about the design, the interiors serve multiple purposes for visiting business travelers and tourists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Ryan Josue Rojas, 20, of Herriman, Utah, was arraigned Sunday on one count of accosting a minor for immoral purposes, Michigan State Police said.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Officials will continue to investigate the area for further evidence of poison bait, and also stressed the importance of the community's cooperation to discourage and prevent the use of poison baits against wildlife.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Whereas fast fashion baits consumers with poorly made clothing available for a limited time, Jendue takes a more elevated approach with high quality denim from Turkey.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Targets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/targets. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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