on target

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of on targetnext
: precisely correct or valid especially in interpreting or addressing a problem or vital issue

on-target

2 of 2

adjective

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

Synonyms of on target

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
Phrase
The casino itself remains on target for an early 2027 opening, but the larger entertainment complex is in temporary limbo, pending resolution of the VGT dispute. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 The Canada keeper made eight saves as León had 10 shots on target. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
The same cannot be said, however, for DeMario Douglas, who has caught every on-target pass he’s seen this summer. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 SpaceX was more than lucky last Friday, sending its 13th full-scale Starship test flight halfway around the world from South Texas to an on-target, intact splashdown in a remote section of the Indian Ocean. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 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%20target. Accessed 11 Aug. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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