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
Visitors who walk into the museum are greeted with objects ranging from taxidermy animals to a Japanese samurai suit. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 Co-founded by Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, the museum will rotate the famous filmmaker’s vast collection of narrative art, which contains objects not found in more traditional museums, including manga, comics and children’s tales. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Massie objected to passing the extension by unanimous consent, forcing the legislation to a floor vote instead. Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 30 Apr. 2026 At a hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, D4vd’s attorneys objected to the release of the preliminary brief, but the judge declined. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • In addition to the popular breakfast items, Izzy’s Place also serves sandwiches, salads and side dishes.
    Jason Dill April 28, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Family photos, found items and pool cues from former lives line the entryway.
    Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jordan’s presence and affiliation with a brand is more powerful than any other entity in sports, and near the top in all entertainment media.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 May 2026
  • Rather than functioning solely as cost centers, every government entity would be required to generate revenue, contributing positively to the state’s budget and fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility throughout the administration.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • This approach builds upon the original intent of the Donohoe Act, which began with positive goals but did not fully achieve its purpose.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • The city has banned an arm in common use for lawful purposes by law-abiding citizens.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Whitecaps rally Outside the FIFA Congress was a small rally of about 100 supporters of the Vancouver Whitecaps, protesting the possible relocation of the Major League Soccer team.
    Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • On a main avenue in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, taxi drivers honked their horns and bus drivers parked their vehicles to protest rising fuel costs.
    Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Game 5 showed two things at once.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Rubbing the compost against the screen with a gloved hand will help things along.
    Jessica Damiano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The list of substances Peters and his cohort ingest, inject, and smear on themselves is long and evergrowing, despite the very real risks that come along with them.
    Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Jackson, the youngest son, was found in a bathroom where deputies allegedly saw a black substance in the toilet.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hitting the ball the other way was one of Ohtani’s goals.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
  • The project brings together nearly 60 students from a wide range of majors, from engineering to communications, all working toward a common goal.
    Jamal Goss, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Landlords also complained some tenants took advantage of the moratorium to live rent free.
    Michael Casey, Fortune, 3 May 2026
  • Local Republicans including unsuccessful mayoral candidate Sharon Beloin-Saavedra urged angry parents to turn out at a council meeting to complain, and there have been extensive Facebook discussions condemning the city budget.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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