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

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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

Huntington Hospital also was the target of a swatting call in March 2025. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 The report comes with Federal Reserve policymakers split on where interest rates should head in an economy where the labor market had been improving from a moribund year in 2025 while inflation has remained well above the central bank's 2% target. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

The Luce Wand combines red and blue light therapy, microcurrent, warming therapy and vibration to help tone, lift and target blemishes with consistent use. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 Former attorneys in the division said the desire to target California was obvious to them. — Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for target

Recent Examples of Synonyms for target

Noun

The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel previously alleged that there were 44 victims throughout 2025.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
The victim, a 15-year-old female, was home with her 5-year-old and 7-year-old family members when Reyes violently made entry into the residence after breaking a hole in the wall between the apartments.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of victim

Noun

Daniel Arcila scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute, and Club León advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a 3-2 win over Inter Miami, which saw star Lionel Messi return following the death of his father.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Your heart is in the right place, and the goal is a good one.

— Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of goal

Verb

The woman is then shown on the ground as the person behind the camera continues to taunt her and appears to strike her again.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Trump routinely mocks Newsom and refers to the governor using a derogatory nickname, while Newsom taunts the president with frequent social media posts.

— Darlene Superville, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of taunt

Noun

Humpback whales create bubble clouds to corral their prey and then lunge through the center to swallow the small fish.

— Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
African lions are considered vulnerable, zoo officials said, adding that their population has decreased by 50% over the last 25 years because of habitat loss, loss of prey and conflicts between humans and lions.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of prey

Noun

The aim has been to make clear the limitations and pitfalls of the available military options, including those that do not involve putting US boots on the ground, the sources said.

— Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
The improved terminal guidance also allows the drones to strike more precise aim points, increasing the effectiveness of even relatively small warheads.

— Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of aim

Verb

The Houthis declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia last month and have been routinely harassing shipping since.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026
There has also been a long list of law enforcement officers across the country who have used the database created by Flock, and other license plate reader companies, to make personal searches and stalk and harass people.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of harass

Browse Nearby Words

tardy

target

targeted

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Target.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/target. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of target

noun

verb

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