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

Relevance

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
In a later exchange, Cowdray conceded that much of Opperman’s characterization was on target, if explainable. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026 Woodland birdied three of the first five holes Sunday at Bellerive Country Club and was on target to perhaps claim his second victory of the season. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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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