Another Word for Goal: 10 Synonyms with Examples
A goal is something you aim to achieve, or a point scored in a game. Swap it to suggest a smaller step, a longer-term hope or a more formal target.
As a noun: something you aim to achieve
As a noun: a point scored in a game
- score
- point
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- aim
- Slightly more general; what you are trying to do.
- objective
- A specific, measurable step; common in project plans.
- target
- A goal with a number or deadline attached.
- ambition
- A big personal goal, often for a whole career or life.
- aspiration
- A hope or ambition; more formal and less certain.
- end
- Formal; the final purpose, as in "a means to an end".
Example sentences
- aim: Our aim is to reduce waste by a quarter.
- objective: The first objective is to train all staff by March.
- target: The shop reached its sales target a week early.
- ambition: His lifelong ambition was to sail around the world.
- aspiration: The survey asked young people about their aspirations for the future.
- end: For her, the job was simply a means to an end.
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “goal”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: finish, destination
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “goal”?
The most useful alternatives are “aim”, “objective”, “target”, “ambition”, “purpose”. For the main sense (something you aim to achieve), “aim” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “aim” and “objective”?
aim: Slightly more general; what you are trying to do. objective: A specific, measurable step; common in project plans.