goal

noun

ˈgōl How to pronounce goal (audio)
Definition of goalnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Even when new goals have been reached—voting rights, equal pay, equal employment opportunity—there’s still the monumental amount of work to be done on the other side of the victory in turning those achievements into cultural reality. —Cassidy Randall, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025 The goal: Eliminate the gross receipts tax portion of BIRT and reduce the net income portion by half by fiscal year 2039. —Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025 These three countries host large deposits of several minerals critical to the U.S., for America's economic and geopolitical goals. —John Feng, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025 Sporting responded strongly after conceding the two goals. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goal
  1. purpose
  2. aim
  3. plan
  4. objective
  5. intention
  6. intent
  7. idea
  8. object
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
Definition of purpose
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
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Implementing a proactive plan can help safeguard your career and stave off anxiety.​ Focus on these 7 actions.
    — William Arruda, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Schumer has received backlash since helping to avert a government shutdown by aiding the Republicans in passing their stopgap spending plan over the objection of the majority of his fellow Democratic Senators and House Democrats.
    — Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • That is echoed by studies from research and consulting firm Gartner, which reported that 55-75% of ERP projects either fail or don’t meet all the objectives the organization laid out.
    — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Without a strong foundation, these ambitious projects can fall victim to performance bottlenecks, security gaps or misalignment between technology and business objectives.
    — Ciaran Roche, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of objective
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
Definition of intention
Noun
  • Limas pleaded guilty on Sept. 18, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, court records show.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Definition of intent
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
Definition of idea
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
Definition of object

Browse Nearby Words

go-aheads
goal
go along
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on goal

Nglish: Translation of goal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goal

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