target
15 synonyms and 0 antonyms for target, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Something aimed at, such as a mark used for shooting practice.
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 target
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French targe, meaning a small shield, going back to a Frankish word for the same; the shooting sense grew out of that older "shield" meaning.
Full origin of target →Frequently asked questions
What does “target” mean?
The word “target” means something aimed at, such as a mark used for shooting practice. In plain terms, something you aim at or aim for — literally (a shooting target) or figuratively (a sales target, a target audience).
How do you pronounce “target”?
“Target” is pronounced TAH-giht (/ˈtɑɹ.ɡɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “target” in a sentence?
Here is “target” used in a sentence: “He hit the bullseye on the target from thirty metres away.”
What part of speech is “target”?
Depending on how it is used, “target” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “target” come from?
The word “target” comes from Old French. From Old French targe, meaning a small shield, going back to a Frankish word for the same; the shooting sense grew out of that older "shield" meaning.
Is “target” a common word?
“Target” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “target” have?
“Target” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something aimed at, such as a mark used for shooting practice.
What is the difference between a target and a goal?
The words overlap, but a target is usually specific and measurable — a precise figure or mark to hit, like a sales target of £50,000. A goal is broader, describing the overall outcome you want to achieve. Targets are often the concrete milestones you set on the way to a larger goal.
What are the types of targets?
Target has several everyday uses. In sport there are physical targets like archery bullseyes and shooting marks. In business, sales and performance targets set measurable goals. In marketing, a target audience is the group a product aims to reach. Each shares the idea of something deliberately aimed at.
What is an example of a target?
A classic example is the round, ringed board used in archery or darts, where the centre bullseye scores highest. Other examples include a runner's target time, a charity's fundraising target, or the target market for a new phone. All are things aimed at or worked toward.