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 Age, lifestyle, and overall health and health goals can influence which vitamins are most important. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025 In a Cape Ann League matchup, Finn Wright finished with five goals and a pair of assists while Vin Winter added four goals to lead Ipswich to a 13-7 victory over North Reading. Kevin Barrucci, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2025 No matter how laudable the goal of improved telephone access may be, this is quite simply not how our system of government works. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 The goal is to get as many people as possible on the buses, so tell them. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goal
Noun
  • The name’s ironic on purpose—the app allows users to create, send, and receive anonymous voice messages in a celebrity’s tone.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Sources: Human Rights Watch, World Resources Institute In Sub-Saharan Africa, how women’s education influences family size Policymakers may use population projections for a variety of purposes, from planning social welfare programs to preparing for climate change.
    Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • He’s founded a Miami shoe recycling and reuse company, Sneaker Impact, with the aim of reducing the environmental and climate footprint of the massive athletic shoe industry.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Hughes had been negotiating with Salah and his representative, Ramy Abbas Issa, for several months with the long-term aim of keeping the top goalscorer at the club.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump has upended the global trading system that has been in place for over 75 years with a plan for tariffs on products from across the world.
    Chris Prentice, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The budget plan also would cut significant funding for the District of Columbia government, including its school system.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to briefly shouting out the forthcoming new show starring and executive produced by Shields, the main objective seemed to be to drive home the fact that Acorn is in the portfolio.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • A lot of that is a credit to the simplicity of the mission statement really, because the aim and the objective of the film was to accurately and truthfully depict something that occurred.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Your tone carries memory, intention and relationship.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Diminishing political and social returns — ideas that start from good intentions only to end in frustration and disillusion — seem to plague most attempts at addressing America’s structural problems, which remain and persist.
    Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While the intent might be to keep the peace, the result is often emotional pressure — where neither person feels fully safe to be their whole, honest self.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Though the character appears off camera, is the intent to bring McKinnon more to the forefront in a sequel?
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another good idea before kicking off an exercise routine: For activities that involve spinal twisting and bending, talk with your physical therapist to get tips on proper form.
    Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The basic idea is to start with something large and compact it down for easy transport.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • From the candelabras to the pieces of furniture, Visconti’s collections are distinguished by cast-bronze and by furniture and objects that take their inspiration from organic forms and are sometimes even sculpted with pieces the designer herself collects in nature.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • What unites these objects, which range from the humble to the humorous, and the extremely high-end?
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goal. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on goal

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