object 1 of 2

Definition of objectnext

object

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun object contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of object are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, objective, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Where would aim be a reasonable alternative to object?

While in some cases nearly identical to object, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When is it sensible to use design instead of object?

Although the words design and object have much in common, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When might end be a better fit than object?

The synonyms end and object are sometimes interchangeable, but end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When can goal be used instead of object?

The meanings of goal and object largely overlap; however, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When could intent be used to replace object?

While the synonyms intent and object are close in meaning, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

In what contexts can intention take the place of object?

The words intention and object can be used in similar contexts, but intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

When is objective a more appropriate choice than object?

In some situations, the words objective and object are roughly equivalent. However, objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When would purpose be a good substitute for object?

The words purpose and object are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of object
Noun
However, there was a sour note as some Knicks fans gathered around Spurs players returning to their hotel with several videos showing objects being thrown at the team’s star Victor Wembanyama. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 11 June 2026 The Spurs did not immediately respond to a request seeking clarity on whether the object struck Wembanyama. CBS News, 11 June 2026
Verb
According to the report, Wang objected to voting to appoint negotiators, arguing that the agenda did not clearly notify the public that a vote would occur, which would be a Brown Act violation. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 Other members of Congress objected to the provision. John R. Dearie, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • Do not burn debris or other items during an air quality alert.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
  • Is there a particular item that is personal to you?
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • The National Archives will run his archives and loan artifacts to the Chicago site, but the Obama Center will remain a nonprofit entity, with its exhibits under its control.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 15 June 2026
  • The bishop was among 34 individuals and 47 entities that EU countries added to a Russia sanctions list Monday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • That purpose might come from family, work, creativity, advocacy, faith or friendships.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
  • The company added that Atlas’s athletic feats, including handstands and backflips, serve a practical purpose by helping develop balance, agility, slip recovery, and endurance needed for real-world industrial environments.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Students at several high schools walked out to protest the federal action.
    Jim Morrill, Charlotte Observer, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Students are protesting the university’s decision to ban the magazines.
    Tevon Blair, Essence, 10 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The other thing that was really interesting is this weeping sickness that Sugi described in the beginning.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • That’s when things went south on the Dodgers.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Nothing did, so three times over the course of twelve weeks the group bared their arms and allowed strangers to poke them with a needle, through which flowed something new, a substance never before inserted into human bodies.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The chicken and sausage gave the dish plenty of substance, while the rice at the bottom helped soak up the savory broth, creating a meal that was hearty without being overly heavy – for someone with an empty stomach.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Wood took a direct shot at the goal, but Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand gathered it with ease.
    Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
  • The goal generated an enormous wave of sound from this crowd.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump has frequently complained that Obama’s deal included the transport of cash from the US to Iran.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • Plus, who can complain when the gorgeous Block Island — which, unlike Rhode Island, is actually an island — is described as New England’s Caribbean?
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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