GOAL Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

goal

noun

ˈgōl

Definition of goal next

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish leaving the world a better place than I found it is one of my main goals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Conclusion Winning client buy-in for accessibility is about understanding their goals, communicating value clearly and addressing their concerns with hard facts and empathy. —

Ran Ronen, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 That requires goal setting and carving out time for organization, advises Ritz. —

Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 18 Feb. 2025 Their goals aren't clear, but online writings span topics from radical veganism and gender identity to artificial intelligence. —

CBS News, 18 Feb. 2025 The goal is to appeal to empathy, instead of trying to change the other person. —

Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for goal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for goal

Noun

The purpose is to drive economic diversity in Las Vegas, traditionally a town focused on a single industry: hospitality.

— Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
But that doesn’t seem to be the purpose of the record, which leans more heavily into fan service — a treat for those who’ve stayed loyal (or at least neutral) as Drake suffered the past year’s cavalcade of embarrassments.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025