Found 11 stronger alternatives to upgrade your writing.
What you are trying to do
Nuance: Target
Clear everyday word for what you are trying to do.
Boring
Her goal was to finish the 5K without walking even if she came in last.
Better
Her aim was to finish the 5K without walking even if she came in last.
A big goal you hope for
Nuance: Hopeful
Use for hopeful big goals that may take time.
Boring
His goal is to open a small bakery and name it after his grandmother.
Better
His dream is to open a small bakery and name it after his grandmother.
A goal plus steps
Nuance: Steps
Use when you want to emphasize the steps.
Boring
Our goal is to study for thirty minutes after dinner and quiz each other before the test.
Better
Our plan is to study for thirty minutes after dinner and quiz each other before the test.
A measurable goal you try to hit
Nuance: Measurable
Good for numbers and measurable goals.
Boring
Their goal is to raise five hundred dollars for the animal shelter by Friday.
Better
Their target is to raise five hundred dollars for the animal shelter by Friday.
What you mean to do
Nuance: Planned
Slightly more formal than plan.
Boring
My goal is to apologize after class and clear up what I meant.
Better
My intention is to apologize after class and clear up what I meant.
A goal you reach along the way
Nuance: Progress marker
Use for progress points on a longer journey.
Boring
Getting your learner's permit felt like a goal after months of practice.
Better
Getting your learner's permit felt like a milestone after months of practice.
A specific goal (formal)
Nuance: Specific
Great for science and academic writing.
Boring
The goal of today's lab was to measure how quickly salt melts ice.
Better
The objective of today's lab was to measure how quickly salt melts ice.
The reason a thing is done
Nuance: Reason
Good for explaining why something is done.
Boring
The goal of the meeting was to decide roles and set deadlines for the project.
Better
The purpose of the meeting was to decide roles and set deadlines for the project.
A strong long-term goal
Nuance: Drive
Often long-term and driven.
Boring
Her goal is to become the first in her family to graduate from college.
Better
Her ambition is to become the first in her family to graduate from college.
A goal you hope to achieve (formal)
Nuance: Hopeful goal
Formal; good for reflective or essay writing.
Boring
One goal on his list is to write a novel that someone reads twice.
Better
One aspiration on his list is to write a novel that someone reads twice.
What you want to happen (formal)
Nuance: Planned result
Formal; useful in reports and proposals.
Boring
The goal of the new lunch schedule was shorter lines and calmer hallways.
Better
The intended outcome of the new lunch schedule was shorter lines and calmer hallways.