object 1 of 2

object

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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
Perched on a mountain called Iolkam Du’ag in Arizona, DESI uses Kitt Peak National Observatory to scrutinize objects that were around when the universe was less than half its current size. Rebecca Boyle, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2025 The lower the number, the brighter the object. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
Kenvue, Tylenol’s manufacturer, objected to the assertion, but studies worldwide have landed on both sides of a possible connection. Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 Earlier this month, Texas A&M University removed a dean and department head and fired a professor after drawing conservative backlash over a viral video in which a student objected to gender identity being mentioned in a children’s literature course. Abby Monteil, Them., 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • The latest reading reveals that inflation has caught up with many items with the overall index climbing nearly 11% over the past two and a half years.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Improper display/storage of single service items.
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Adapted from the 2022 novel of the same name by Laurent Gaudé, Dog 51 unfolds in a dystopian near-future Paris, in which social order is controlled by a mysterious AI entity called Alma.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Thirty entities that received money from the IEDC had connections to an IEDC board member or employee, but only one actually reported their relationship as a potential conflict of interest to the Indiana State Ethics Commission.
    Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described.
    David McMillin, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Each piece was weathered and color-coded to signal hierarchy and purpose, grounding the film’s grand concept of a migrating Earth into reality.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Federal officials reported the arrests of 13 people protesting Friday near the facility, which has been frequently targeted during the administration’s surge of immigration enforcement this fall.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Other popular tourist destinations to protest mass tourism include Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and the Canary Islands, per Travel and Tour World.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • What’s the most rewarding thing for you about being a journalist?
    Nicole Young, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • If things are open deep, Sayin can take shots.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Ellis died at age 39 from heart failure due to alcohol withdrawal syndrome following an ongoing struggle with substance abuse.
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Often sensational in tone and light on substance, these reports typically allege that a company has misstated its financial condition, overstated business prospects, or engaged in improper practices.
    Tim Reynolds, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Last season, in Game 5 of the Panthers’ second-round series against Toronto, Boqvist finished with a goal and an assist with Rodrigues injured and played alongside Barkov and Sam Reinhart on Florida’s top line after moving up from his usual spot on the fourth line.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
  • After a recent Rangers’ preseason game, Sullivan was shown a video clip of the goal.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Jiang and his colleagues complain over video chat about their bland meals, but the people who produce, prepare and deliver the food remain invisible.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Yost and others who opposed the sale of books from the library complained that HUC should not sell part of its collection to ease its financial problems.
    Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on object

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