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

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
However, there was a sour note as some Knicks fans gathered around Spurs players returning to their hotel with several videos showing objects being thrown at the team’s star Victor Wembanyama. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 11 June 2026 The Spurs did not immediately respond to a request seeking clarity on whether the object struck Wembanyama. CBS News, 11 June 2026
Verb
According to the report, Wang objected to voting to appoint negotiators, arguing that the agenda did not clearly notify the public that a vote would occur, which would be a Brown Act violation. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 Other members of Congress objected to the provision. John R. Dearie, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • Elk and bear tooth pendants were also common items of ornamentation, and important community members were buried with those adornments.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • The items range from lavish gowns to magazine covers to books, letters and keepsakes.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • In November, George Kurtz, CEO and founder of cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, became a co-owner of the Mercedes team through a minority acquisition in Toto Wolff’s ownership entity Motorsports Invest.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 8 June 2026
  • Any questions, comments or complaints regarding this Sweepstakes must be directed to the Sponsor only, and NOT to Instagram, Facebook, or their affiliated entities.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • While much attention since the fire has focused on rebuilding physical structures, Nemecek said preserving the ranch’s purpose is equally important.
    Daily News, Daily News, 9 June 2026
  • And yet, while the animals in these stories are sacrificed to selfish purpose and whim, the human characters are astonished and haunted by them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • The town halls provided insight on topics including road projects, county assistance programs and protesting property appraisals.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
  • In the early 1970s, diverse groups protesting Coors consolidated in Northern California.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • The other thing that was really interesting is this weeping sickness that Sugi described in the beginning.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • That’s when things went south on the Dodgers.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Nothing did, so three times over the course of twelve weeks the group bared their arms and allowed strangers to poke them with a needle, through which flowed something new, a substance never before inserted into human bodies.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The chicken and sausage gave the dish plenty of substance, while the rice at the bottom helped soak up the savory broth, creating a meal that was hearty without being overly heavy – for someone with an empty stomach.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Washington says the goal is to reduce aid dependence while advancing US interests.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • If the goal is to raise awareness, the best course of action is probably to let the subclinical cases be counted.
    Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The move was met with outrage, with fans criticizing the singer for jumping the gun and complaining that the weather had cleared up before becoming too serious.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
  • Leo is expected to meet survivors while in Spain, but several victims groups have complained that they have been left in the dark about when the meeting is taking place and whether they are invited.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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