goals
6 synonyms for goals, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Internet slang for something highly admirable, worth aspiring to.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use goals
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
relationship goals
squad goals
body goals
Very informal, internet/social-media slang.
Etymology
Grew out of the social-media hashtag #goals, used to caption things worth aspiring to.
Full origin of goals →Frequently asked questions
What does “goals” mean?
The word “goals” means internet slang for something highly admirable, worth aspiring to. In plain terms, slang for "this is exactly what I want for myself" — used to praise something enviable.
How do you pronounce “goals”?
“Goals” is pronounced gohlz (/ɡoʊlz/ in IPA).
How do you use “goals” in a sentence?
Here is “goals” used in a sentence: “Their friendship is honestly goals.”
What part of speech is “goals”?
“Goals” is an adjective.
Is “goals” a common word?
“Goals” is a very common word in modern English.
What does 'goals' mean as internet slang?
Used on its own, 'goals' labels something as so admirable that you would aspire to it yourself. Calling a couple, a home, or an outfit 'goals' means it represents an ideal worth reaching for. It grew from phrases like 'relationship goals' and 'body goals' on social media.
What is the difference between 'goals' and 'relationship goals'?
'Relationship goals' is the fuller phrase that praises a couple or partnership as an ideal to aim for. 'Goals' is the shortened, more flexible version, applied to almost anything admirable — a holiday, a career, an outfit. The single word broadened the idea beyond relationships to any enviable thing.
Is 'goals' as slang formal or informal?
It is very informal. This use of 'goals' belongs to social media, texting, and casual conversation, and would look out of place in professional or academic writing. It is also fairly recent slang, so its tone is playful and youthful rather than neutral or serious.
