object 1 of 2

Definition of objectnext

object

2 of 2

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

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
Today, that typically involves using a single laser to scan over the entire surface of an object. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Apr. 2026 Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026 Woods’ attorneys were given 10 days to object. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • The Granbury City Council chambers was nearly overflowing with people Tuesday evening as residents came out to speak on the agenda items and voice their disapproval and disappointment.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Investigators later uncovered one of the largest contraband seizures in the prison's history, including more than a pound of pure methamphetamine, marijuana, cell phones, and other items hidden inside the facility.
    CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Italy’s Cineteca di Bologna is known globally as a prime film preservation entity and a temple of cinema.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Increasingly, a small number of powerful entities determine what gets made—and on what terms—leaving creators and independent businesses with fewer viable paths to sustain their work.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
  • But the purpose of her art shifted after the events of 9/11, as the fabric of American identity was tested, and some groups, such as Sikhs, particularly those wearing traditional turbans of the faith, faced cultural discrimination and misunderstanding.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The California Faculty Association, the union representing Cal State faculty, celebrated the verdict in a statement posted to social media, saying Caravello had been cleared of any wrongdoing and that the decision affirmed his right to protest.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, some residents have been protesting the construction of AI data centers in their neighborhoods over concerns about pollution, noise, and electricity prices.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Several teammates alluded to his ability to keep things loose in the bullpen.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Your 3rd House of Debate surges as fiery Mars arrives, pushing you to say the important thing plainly — and to move on it soon.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The brain is protected by a complex defense system that blocks foreign substances, making treatment difficult.
    Ted Scouten, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Last week, Lindsey Buckingham was attacked by a stalking suspect while walking into an appointment in Santa Monica, California; that woman, who allegedly threw an unknown substance at him, has now been charged with seven criminal counts in Los Angeles County, reports Rolling Stone.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Gabriel Vilardi also had a goal and assist for the Jets, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 32 shots.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Norris responded with his 12th goal for Buffalo, beating Knight over the goaltender's right shoulder with 58 seconds left in the first.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • For years, critics of San Diego’s and California’s approaches have complained that millions and billions, respectively, have been spent to reduce homelessness, yet things just kept getting worse.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • According to state records, the Board of Pharmacy had referred the matter to the Board of Medicine after a patient of Hartsuch’s complained that his pharmacist refused to fill the physician’s prescription for ivermectin in the treatment of COVID-19.
    Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 11 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on object

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster