TARGET Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

target 1 of 2

noun

ˈtär-gət

Definition of target

as in victim

a person or thing that is the object of abuse, criticism, or ridicule the hapless vice president quickly became the favorite target of late-night comedians

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in joke

a person or thing that is made fun of a badly made TV commercial that became the target of lots of jokes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish our target is to raise $100,000 for a new playground by August

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

target

2 of 2

verb

as in to taunt

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 target

Noun

The state’s release does not set placement or wage targets for the new institute. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 Lale Esquivel, the father of Luke Esquivel, said his family took the blame and were the targets of over 900 social media posts. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Verb

But Republicans continue to enjoy a massive advantage in spending and support from outside political groups, such as Musk's, that have helped their candidates target voters. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Asfaw primarily develops cost-friendly skin care products that target young consumer needs. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for target

Recent Examples of Synonyms for target

Noun

The attack shocked the nation, and Jordan declared three days of mourning for the victims.

— Omar Akour, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
On Sunday, Jordan’s Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah attended a funeral held for the victims while Jordan’s King Abdullah II visited the injured in the hospital earlier.

— Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of victim

Noun

Only 11% said leaving something for the kids is their top financial goal.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Securing public money for them raises issues over church-state separation but fulfills a longstanding goal for Christian conservatives, who lobbied for this funding.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of goal

Verb

More recently, Vega helped fund Diego Marcon’s Krapfen (2025), a film in which a child is taunted by invisible beings that sing and dance.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The woman, who also reported it to the league, alleged that Jackson refused to delete the video and taunted her with it.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of taunt

Noun

In Alaska, salmon are one of the main prey sources for belugas—and the fish need cold water to develop their eggs, keep their metabolism stable and prevent energy depletion during long migratory journeys.

— Ryan Green, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
But even the slower, more deliberate decision-making can fall prey to any number of cognitive biases.

— Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of prey

Noun

But Thomas and Erika are no fools, coolly telling off smiling Hitler sympathizers during a tony reception.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The Atlanta Dream might now be the hottest ticket in town and State Farm Arena would be fools not to host them in Game 6.

— Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of fool

Noun

Hamas, however, was wedded to its radical Islamist ideology —the destruction of the Jewish state — and used the funds to advance its war aims.

— Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
The aim is to bring the experience of a hypercar to people who might not be able to afford the flagship car.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of aim

Verb

From harassing Brady over his divorce from Gisele Bündchen on social media to trying to be a rapper and much more, Brown’s post-football life has been one filled with public outbursts and controversial statements and stunts.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Yet against Texas, the Gators stopped the Longhorns twice on fourth down, repeatedly harassed Manning and held the Texas offense under 300 total yards.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of harass

Browse Nearby Words

tardy

target

targeted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Target.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/target. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of target

noun

verb

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