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 One of his goals was to reach five innings in a start before his first regular-season start. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025 This has been one of the government’s central goals since early 2023. Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2025 Read More: 8 Ways to Shorten Your Wait for a Doctor’s Appointment Your personal goals matter, too. Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Mar. 2025 The Universal Service Fund was established by the FCC after Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with the goal of ensuring communication systems are available nationwide. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goal
Noun
  • The automation of jobs by AI could lead to widespread unemployment and economic inequality, leaving many people feeling powerless and without purpose.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.
    Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The aim is to keep winning in the FA Cup, too, with a trip to Fulham next Saturday standing in the way of a semi-final at Wembley.
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The aim was to boost safety and reduce car crash casualties, but part of the road to introducing further automation into cars.
    Nicole Kobie, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Growing football in his home town is a long-term plan, but in the immediate future Richard is fixed on growing in English football with Palace.
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Note: Where most Starlink users will be using a Residential service plan for their monthly service fees, Mini users will need a Starlink Roam plan, which is meant for users who are using the service on the go or frequently moving locations.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • No, this is not the type of fight to the finish the Miami Heat typically target, an objective of being a No. 9 play-in seed instead of a No. 10 play-in seed.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
  • An employee’s identity was deeply intertwined with their ability to support the organization in meeting its objectives.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The intention was clear: Everyone was about to process some deeply felt emotion.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The intention is that participating companies will place the appropriate Accessible Games Initiative tags near their game product information – for example on digital storefronts, product pages or digital catalogues.
    Andy Robertson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Instead, the legal question may hinge on the intent of the dominant partner to continue engaging in especially risky acts and her awareness of the potential danger.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The former boarding school was established by the Rev. Thomas Johnson, and housed students from 22 tribes and forced them to perform manual labor, with the intent of assimilating the children into white American culture and Christianity.
    Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The first myth is that innovation hinges on a single monumental idea.
    Mark Nevins, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Paired with long white gloves and a ruby and diamond necklace, Marshall had a different idea for the gown's color than the version that made it into the film.
    Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Good & Gather Cut Green Beans were initially recalled due to possible contamination from a foreign object.
    Julia Landwehr, Health, 20 Mar. 2025
  • His wrists were slit and there were traces of being hit by a large object and it was discovered that there was poison in his system.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goal. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on goal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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