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
For the best viewing, avoid areas with bright lights and objects that could obscure your view of the sky, such as tall trees or buildings. Gina Park, CNN Money, 29 July 2025 In November 2024, singer Zach Bryan stopped a show in Washington after someone in the audience tossed an object toward him. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Verb
Lawyers will also be able to object to the unsealing of filings and request redactions as documents are considered in tranches, newest to oldest, the judge added. Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 24 July 2025 Makary also objects to the fluoride supplements because they aren’t approved by the FDA. Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • Once neighbors had amassed a pile of larger items, one of the camp's earliest residents, a sinewy man in his 50s named Tom Rock, walked over and began helping to lift them into the dumpster.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • At Comic-Con, some of the more expensive item on sale can be action figures or original editions of comic books.
    Michelle Guerrero, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Orange County isn’t the only entity benefitting from the popularity of Universal’s fourth theme park, which has been six years in the making.
    Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
  • That speculation quickly gained traction after the federal government stripped funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting last month — the CPB being the entity that funnels federal money to NPR and PBS stations nationwide.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This is a time to let go of outdated beliefs or structures that are no longer serving your higher purpose.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Achieving a small goal (A) can boost your engagement (E) and deepen your sense of purpose (M).
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • There have been pockets of dissent within the country, too, with activists marching through the streets of Tel Aviv carrying bags of flour to protest hunger.
    Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025
  • About 30 people gathered Monday evening in Orlando to protest Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings signing an agreement allowing local corrections officers to transport immigrant detainees to federal detention centers.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • One thing's for certain, The Boring Company's tunnel to BNA will be anything but boring.
    Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 29 July 2025
  • Both families are wanting charges to be brought forward, but Joe knows his daughter has one thing to focus on at the moment.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • The compound 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), according to the FDA, but only a minor component comprising less than 2% of the alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 31 July 2025
  • This suggested that honey or some other substance was once present in the vessel.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • The goal is not to hand over the keys—but to build stewards who understand the engine.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The International Energy Agency estimates that investment in clean energy must reach $4.5 trillion annually in the 2030s to meet climate goals.
    Justin Worland, Time, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • A number of Tesla shareholders, including some Democrats who oversee the investment of public sector pension fund money in Tesla stock, complained in May to Tesla Board Chair Robyn Denholm that Musk’s other activities are hurting the company.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Trump has complained about the EU's $231 billion trade surplus in goods, which shows Americans buy more goods from European businesses than the other way around.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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