Goal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈgōl/

Meaning & Definition of Goal

Goal (noun)

  1. the end toward which effort is directed, aim
  2. an area or object toward which players in various games (such as soccer and hockey) attempt to advance a ball or puck and usually through or into which it must go to score points
  3. the act or action of causing a ball or puck to go through or into such a goal

Goal (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

    "leaving the world a better place than I found it is one of my main goals"

    similar: aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, idea, ideal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, thing, name of the game
    related: grail, holy grail, plot, project, scheme, desire, hope, mind, wish, nirvana, destination, terminus
    near: means, method, way

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Goal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Goal:

aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, idea, ideal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, thing, name of the game

Related Words for Goal

grail, holy grail, plot, project, scheme, desire, hope, mind, wish, nirvana, destination, terminus

Near Antonyms of Goal

means, method, way

Word Forms of Goal

Inflections: goals

Derived words: goal (intransitive verb), goalless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Goal

Middle English gol boundary, limit

First known use: 1531

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Goal

Words & Phrases Containing Goal

goal kick, goal line, field goal, drop goal, last-gasp goal, own goal, subgoal

Frequently Asked Questions about Goal

What does "Goal" mean?

"Goal" means the end toward which effort is directed, aim. As a noun, it is defined as: the end toward which effort is directed, aim.

What is another word for "Goal"?

Other words for "Goal" include aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end and idea. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Goal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Goal"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Goal". Common alternatives include aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, idea, ideal and intent.

How do you use "Goal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Goal" in a sentence: "leaving the world a better place than I found it is one of my main goals".

Is "Goal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Goal" is a noun.

Is "Goal" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Goal" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Goal"?

"Goal" is pronounced /ˈgōl/.

What is the origin of the word "Goal"?

"Goal" comes from Middle English gol boundary, limit. First known use: 1531.