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

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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

Examples 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 Scientists confirmed last week that 2024 was the hottest year on record and the first calendar year to pass a crucial climate goal — the pledge to restrict global warming to within 1.5 degrees above average temperatures before humans began burning large amounts of fossil fuels. —

Issy Ronald, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025 But not every renovation will sustain that last goal. —

Alexandra Kelly, Architectural Digest, 13 Jan. 2025 This week, the Axios Charlotte team met up at Urban District Market to do some vision boarding, goal setting and manifesting for the new year. —

Laura Barrero, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025 Some of the likely conflicts in energy policy this year were evident Thursday at the committee’s organizational meeting, where members broadly outlined their goals. —

Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for goal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for goal

Noun

Business Sustainability And The Rule Of 40 The purpose of taking a fresh look at existing technology vendors is to measure the short-term financial stability and long-term viability of fintech partners.

— Chris Perry, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Shareholder primacy theory, the corporate governance theory that has become ingrained into societal norms, asserts that profit maximization on behalf of shareholders is the sole purpose of company management.

— Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 9 Jan. 2025