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 medium-lift rocket successfully placed a single satellite into low-Earth orbit, and its first-stage booster returned to an on-target landing downrange in the Gobi Desert. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026 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
Phrase
Orlando outshot San Diego 15-7, only allowing two shots on target from the visitors. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 The ploy worked well, with the leaders having to wait until the 81st minute for a first effort on target, which Vipotnik fired straight at goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 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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