Definition of objectnext

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
Different atoms shine in subtly different hues, so the spectrum provided a sense of what the object’s particles were doing. Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026 According to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, an object’s mass curves the space around it. Thomas Fauchez, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
Companies can object to and prevent their security from trading as a token. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026 This also isn’t the first time Larsson has objected to the White House using her music in its social media content. Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • That’s because these items, when they’re being used, have particles that come off and settle into the air to create dust.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
  • From vintage Midwestern treasures at Kimmswick Keepsake to home goods, clothing, and accessories at Sparrow+Mason, you’re bound to find the perfect item to take home with you.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • My guiding principle in all of this was to tell the truth and not to have some sort of political spin or way of making any particular entity look better than another.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • All three are located on water bodies already owned by the utilities or public entities hosting them.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But more is not a purpose, and scale is not automatically success.
    Michelle De Almeida, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The language of exploitation and cultural extraction gave the battle a purpose that seemed to extend well beyond either rapper.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Videos of Soliman protesting against the treatment by the authorities and being held at gunpoint by a police officer in the hotel have been published in international media.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Dozens of community members gathered to protest at the scene of the shooting.
    Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Not one person, not one thing, but cycles of cumulative, relational and shared actions that are equal parts remarkable and common.
    Supriya Lopez Pillai, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Or was the whole thing a connivance and Mitzi Blinkhorn always destined to win, thanks to some Machiavellian manipulation behind the scenes?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Timothy Westlake, chief of staff at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration who is seeking confirmation to be assistant secretary for mental health and substance use, was also questioned.
    FATIMA HUSSEIN, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Tate McRae has so many more substances to dunk herself in, after all.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The goal is to help crews identify important contacts sooner.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
  • My goal is to analyze financial markets by taking a longer view of history, and to give broader context to recent events.
    Kelly Evans, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Well of course weren’t going to complain about getting to see Reba!
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Karen Khachanov complained about it after Zverev beat him in the semifinals.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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