TARGETS Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

targets 1 of 2

noun

plural of target

as in victims

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

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as in jokes

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

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as in goals

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

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targets

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of target

as in taunts

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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 targets

Noun

Taylor offered higher pay to workers who met management’s targets. — Christoph Trattner, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026 Since April 1, brands and retailers have been able to set regenerative sourcing targets through BCI in preparation for the new standard’s full implementation. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Authorities warned that jewelry, electronics and other expensive items can make sellers attractive targets for criminals. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Israel and the United States have hit thousands of Iranian targets, systematically destroying much of the country’s military infrastructure and killing many of its top leaders. — Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026 The Houthis have a large arsenal capable of striking targets well over 1,000 miles away. — NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 Defending Saudi Arabia means protecting a vast network of targets, not just Riyadh or a single refinery. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 Jennings has two catches for 9 yards on just five targets over four games. — CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces overnight struck targets in Ukraine's southern Odesa region on the Black Sea coast with drones. — Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for targets

Noun

The Baton Rouge Police Department identified the victims as 21-year-old Leah Fonte and 21-year-old Shane Hirstius, who were engaged.

— Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has begun notifying victims impacted by a recent data breach of driver’s license and motor vehicle data, but not everyone whose information was stolen will receive an alert.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of victims

Noun

The association reiterated its support for SB 707’s textile circularity goals while challenging CalRecycle’s choice of the organization tasked with implementing them.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
That took Chelsea to six goals inside the first seven minutes of games this season, something no Premier League side has previously managed across any six-game spell.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of goals

Verb

Continue reading … -- POLITICS 'BAD LOOK' – Newsom's attack dog taunts Buttigieg over South Carolina visit as 2028 fight heats up.

— , FOXNews.com, 25 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 taunts

Noun

In the new National Geographic documentary Super Scam Me, journalist Maria van Zeller transforms herself into the perfect prey to dive deep into how romance fraud works.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Waterfowl and shorebirds are natural hosts of avian influenza viruses, the Ojai Raptor Center said, eagles like Jackie can be exposed through contact with infected birds or infected prey.

— Allison Gibson, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of prey

Noun

In these labors, Carson is akin to two other recent laureates, Jon Fosse and László Krasznahorkai, our foremost writers of holy fools.

— Merve Emre, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026
The Trasks encounter a wide swath of citizens, haggling with sneaky cheats, exploiting innocent fools, and befriending big-hearted neighbors.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of fools

Noun

On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.

— Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
The area, for all intents and purposes, has always functioned as the back of the museum.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of purposes

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targeting

targets

tariff

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Style

“Targets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/targets. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of targets

noun

verb

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