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  • on-target
    on-target
    adjective
    correct, accurate, or adhering closely to an anticipated outcome.
  • on target
    on target
    Completely accurate, wholly valid, as in Our cost estimates were right on target, or His criticisms were on target. This seemingly old expression dates only from the mid-1900s, and the colloquial use of target for a goal one wishes to achieve dates from about 1940.
Synonyms

on-target

American  
[on-tahr-git, awn-] / ˈɒnˈtɑr gɪt, ˈɔn- /

adjective

  1. correct, accurate, or adhering closely to an anticipated outcome.

    an on-target forecast for the weekend weather.


on target Idioms  
  1. Completely accurate, wholly valid, as in Our cost estimates were right on target, or His criticisms were on target. This seemingly old expression dates only from the mid-1900s, and the colloquial use of target for a goal one wishes to achieve dates from about 1940.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His 'expected goals on target conceded' tally - which measures the likelihood of an on-target shot resulting in a goal - is 20.85.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

McGregor's superb effort was Celtic's first on-target effort of the entire game and came beyond the four minutes of added-on time indicated by the match officials.

From Barron's • Nov. 22, 2025

The Rams rookie also needs a good snap, fast and on-target.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

He completed 23-of-31 passes for four touchdowns and 412 yards — and several on-target throws were dropped.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 12, 2023

I would kick that red ball far into the outfield: hard, and on-target.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina

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