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
  • This version is designed with multiple compartments underneath to keep remotes, books, and more items organized.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The slim pouches stash easily in personal items or even in toiletry bags.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The French luxury brand is helping to fund a three-year renovation program at the museum, and has supported exhibitions including the Caillebotte show, reflecting its broader ambition to position itself as a cultural entity.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Yet even these entities will adapt, either by exploiting visa loopholes, relying more heavily on student-to-H-1B conversions, or shifting toward the L-1 visa category, which remains unaffected by the new fee.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The stated purpose was to win a national championship like LSU’s three previous coaches, but Kelly lost at least three games in all four seasons and never got close to the CFP.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 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
  • Whether your goal is to work in government, the private sector, or a nonprofit organization, our curriculum prepares you for diverse roles such as intelligence analyst, foreign service officer, military analyst, or special agent.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • But recent reports show that goal is nowhere near.
    Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 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 31 Oct. 2025.

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