object 1 of 2

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

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
An object just flew in as the free throw is being made. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025 The object was found over the side of an embankment in the forest, according to the release. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Federal prosecutors objected loudly, citing irrelevance. Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2025 Another Democratic representative, Ann Johnson, signed the permission slip but remained with Collier for some time after objecting to being followed by an officer. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • Buy team apparel and items only from a team’s website or authorized retailers.
    Margaret Buranen, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • However, studies show that pairing high-carb items, like oat milk, with a source of protein can significantly reduce their impact on blood sugar.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Any entities working in weather modification must report all activities to NOAA under the Weather Modification Reporting Act.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The principle recognizes the legal rights of natural entities, such as rivers, mountains, ecosystems or even something as specific as wild rice.
    Dana Zartner, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Each separate agency has a unique purpose, but they are all inextricably connected.
    River Selby August 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
  • But is that on purpose, because their conversations are kind of meh?
    Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • People also protested outside government minister’s homes.
    From Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
  • According to an official website, over 200 events were held across 34 states yesterday to protest Texas Republicans' efforts to redraw the state's electoral maps in their favor—a strategy that has been picked up by Republican leaders in other states as well ahead of next year's midterms.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Kaylor, attempting the same thing, feels like watching an injured baby deer try to do TikTok dances while amid an existential crisis.
    Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
  • But that triggered the second thing – Trump’s revulsion for math that contradicts his narrative.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Mike’s mental health struggles, and potentially his substance abuse, have contributed to a narrative that’s isolating him.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • But a White House executive order last month seeks to bring back the old model, directing federal agencies to end funding for organizations that offer housing to people without first requiring treatment for substance abuse or serious mental illnesses.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • As a whole, aviation has a goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, although that gets less likely by the year as sustainable aviation fuel development and scaling stalls.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The Rapids’ opener saw Navarro provide an assist to Darren Yapi, who continued his hot run of form with another goal after scoring twice at Minnesota.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Consumers have complained that stores feel less distinctive, private labels have multiplied to the point of confusion, and online shopping options lag those of competitors.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Trump has long complained about absentee voting, since before the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down many in-person events.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on object

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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