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
The necklace is the object of his professional fascination and, soon enough, his romantic one—blurring the line between the thrill of the chase and the pull of desire. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025 These space objects are difficult to see unless using a large telescope, Blazek told Northeastern Global News. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Federal courts generally require plaintiffs to show a specific, personal injury to establish standing—a high bar for citizens objecting to government property decisions since courts often dismiss cases brought by citizens without a direct stake. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 However, had Cunningham's wife not objected, the filmmaker planned to cast his own son, Noel, in the part. Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • Improper display/storage of single service items (single use items stored improperly).
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Midvintec sells vintage items such as couches, dining room tables, chairs, glasses, mirrors and decor items.
    Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some state leaders say the lot isn’t sufficient without state and federal entities doing their part.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025
  • According to Nationwide, a trust fund is a legal arrangement that allows individuals to place assets in a special account to benefit another person or entity.
    Mariah Maddox, Parents, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Swets, who has expertise with special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), formed Greenland Exploration with his investment and merchant banking firm, FG Nexus, and agreed to merge with March GL and find a suitable SPAC to take the company public.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Sea lines of communication, or SLOCs, are the principal maritime routes between ports used for trade, military or other purposes.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rossi protested his innocence and claimed he was punished so strictly because of his prominent role in Italian football, to make an example.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Bennett Lawson, who represents the 44th Ward, told CBS Chicago that tear gas was set off when neighbors protested federal agents pulling a construction worker from a home in Lakeview.
    Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Displacing 80,000 tons, the Fujian is the closest thing afloat to the US Navy’s 97,000-ton Nimitz-class carriers, which make up 10 of the 11 carriers in the US fleet.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But things just weren't right with her.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her sister struggled for years with substance use, leading their mother to assume custody of her sister's two children.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Exposure to the substance has been linked to a wide range of health impacts, including developmental problems, nervous system damage and hearing problems in children; and high blood pressure, joint pain and reproductive problems in adults.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Officials at the Water Reclamation Authority are pursuing new goals after the utility was officially released last year from a pair of longstanding legal agreements that required the utility to address sewer overflows, leading to major investments across the system.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Before the judges revealed their scores, Leavitt told cohost Julianne Hough that her sole goal in week 6 was to redeem her week 5 stumble during a soulful contemporary routine dedicated to her husband.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In that appearance, Thilly moonwalked across the floor and performed a backspin before using his allotted five minutes to complain about rising taxes, according to CBS News New York.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Another woman, 59, complained of back pain, per the outlets.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on object

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