Synonyms of object

object 1 of 2

noun

ˈäb-jikt 

1

as in item

something material that can be perceived by the senses

I kept tripping over countless little objects scattered about the darkened room

Synonyms & Similar Words

• item
• thing
• piece
• entity
• substance
• article
• ornamental
• commodity
• being
• token
• ware
• bauble
• accessory
• accompaniment
• good
• novelty
• trinket
• curio
• thingamajig
• spangle
• whatnot
• knickknack
• thingamabob
• doohickey
• dingus
• thingummy
• whatchamacallit
• gewgaw
• gaud

2

as in entity

one that has a real and independent existence

trying to determine whether communication with the dead is an object for study, a hoax, or a figment of the imagination

Synonyms & Similar Words

• entity
• substance
• reality
• thing
• something
• individual
• being
• commodity
• body
• subject
• matter
• integer
• existent
• individuality
• material
• quantity
• stuff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonentity

3

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

the object of this course is to teach you algebra

Synonyms & Similar Words

• purpose
• goal
• plan
• aim
• idea
• objective
• intention
• intent
• thing
• ambition
• dream
• target
• meaning
• point
• design
• aspiration
• ideal
• end
• project
• name of the game
• mark
• pretension
• desire
• bourne
• hope
• scheme
• wish
• mind
• destination
• plot
• holy grail
• grail
• nirvana
• terminus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• method
• means
• way

object

2 of 2

verb

əb-ˈjekt 

as in to protest

to present an opposing opinion or argument

they objected to the conductor's insistence that their train tickets were not valid

Synonyms & Similar Words

• protest
• complain
• take exception
• take issue
• expostulate
• except
• demur
• kick
• remonstrate (with)
• whine
• conflict
• stick
• debate
• criticize
• quarrel
• challenge
• fight
• cavil
• dispute
• moan
• dare
• quibble
• bitch
• squabble
• wrangle
• balk
• scream
• grouse
• gripe
• murmur
• defy
• beef
• squawk
• censure
• withstand
• rebel
• gag
• nag
• demonstrate
• disobey
• grumble
• keen
• crab
• denounce
• mutter
• wail
• hassle
• squeal
• growl
• carp
• repine
• fuss
• bleat
• holler
• caterwaul
• whinge
• bellyache
• yammer
• whimper
• croak
• grouch
• yowl
• grizzle
• grump
• maunder
• yawp

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• accept
• agree
• sanction
• observe
• comply
• obey
• support
• follow
• conform
• maintain
• adhere
• mind
• defend
• advocate
• sustain
• accede
• acquiesce
• assent
• uphold
• commend
• applaud
• cheer
• champion

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

Recent Examples of object

Noun

Nevermind the fact that, in the other instances, objects were moved around, stereos are turned on and the intruder never shows his face. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Officials said metals were burning inside the warehouses, but did not specify what type of objects were on fire. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026

Verb

Within hours, the DHS general counsel James Percival had objected to the memo, as had the White House counsel’s office. —Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026

Campillo objected to that rationale, contending residents of nearby cities shouldn’t be treated the same as tourists or characterized as rich freeloaders for visiting Balboa Park as non-residents of San Diego. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026