on-target

1 of 2

adjective

on-tar·​get ˈän-ˈtär-gət How to pronounce on-target (audio)
ˈȯn-
Synonyms of on-targetnext
: exactly appropriate : accurate
on-target advice

on target

2 of 2

phrase

: precisely correct or valid especially in interpreting or addressing a problem or vital issue

Synonyms of on-target

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Adjective

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Examples of on-target in a Sentence

Adjective an economic forecast for three percent growth that turned out to be entirely on-target
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The Chiefs got pressure but no sack of Jones, who was on-target for most of the night. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026 When Busch went again on the ensuing pitch, catcher Jose Trevino signaled to Pagán for a pitchout into the right-handed batter’s box and delivered an on-target throw to second. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Phrase
Also, not much pressure from the Chiefs as Sam Darnold’s quick passes were often on target. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 However, Musk’s company’s battle was the first to expose the AI industry’s increasingly common practice of using unpermitted gas turbines to keep data center goals on target. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on-target

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on-target was in 1967

Rhymes for on-target

See All Rhymes for on-target

Browse Nearby Words

on tap
on-target
on target
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On-target.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on-target. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

on-target

adjective
on-tar·​get
ˈȯn-ˈtär-gət, 
ˈän-
: just right : accurate
gave him on-target advice
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