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objective

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun objective contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of objective are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When is aim a more appropriate choice than objective?

While in some cases nearly identical to objective, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When can design be used instead of objective?

The meanings of design and objective largely overlap; however, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

In what contexts can end take the place of objective?

The words end and objective are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use goal instead of objective?

Although the words goal and objective have much in common, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When would intent be a good substitute for objective?

The synonyms intent and objective are sometimes interchangeable, but intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When might intention be a better fit than objective?

The words intention and objective 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

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of objective?

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 purpose be a reasonable alternative to objective?

While the synonyms purpose and objective are close in meaning, 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 objective
Noun
Scientific objectives include gaining an understanding of the Reiner Gamma swirl mini-magnetosphere region and its magnetic and plasma properties. TBD, 2025: Blue Origin New Glenn carrying Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1), a single-launch, lunar cargo lander that remains on the surface. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025 Under this more searching examination, the state must identify an important objective and show the law helps accomplish it. Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
Adjective
Of all the things at risk, the loss of an objective reality is perhaps the most dangerous. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 The intent of this article is to provide objective information; however, readers should be aware that the author may have a financial interest in the subject matter discussed. Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for objective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective
Noun
  • The purpose of the grants is to address the climate crisis and various environmental harms at the local level.
    Tracy J. Wholf June 26, CBS News, 26 June 2025
  • Walters noted that both direct and indirect loans to the general fund budget are drawn from special funds designated for specific purposes.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The plaintiffs presented no empirical evidence to the contrary—no evidence that the copying has already caused market harm, and no evidence that the copying is likely to cause market harm in the future.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 June 2025
  • Migration commentators in the U.K. point out there is little empirical evidence for a deterrence effect.
    Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • International aid organizations refused to participate in the new system, with deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq saying the plan is not impartial, neutral or independent.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 June 2025
  • But the United Nations says the plan is not impartial or neutral, and it will not be involved. 'PARIAH STATE' As people waited for supplies to arrive, air strikes and tank fire killed at least 50 people across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, Palestinian health authorities said.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Walk the grounds at historical parks such as First State (Delaware), Ninety Six (South Carolina), Valley Forge (eastern Pennsylvania) and Morristown (New Jersey).
    Ken Burns, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • United say the categories were selected by historical demand for tickets.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Scoring, of course, would go a long way in achieving that goal.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • His aggressive tackling was crucial in helping PSG regain possession high up in their first goal against Atleti on Sunday (see top right of pitch map).
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • As new federal and state regulations favor local data and AI with human oversight, there has never been a better—or more urgent—moment to make the U.S. the global standard for secure, resilient, and equitable healthcare administration in the era of agentic AI.
    Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • This year's honor roll comes at a critical time, as hospitals work to maintain equitable care amid potential Medicaid cuts, rising costs and ongoing workforce challenges.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Limited training data, large language model design and a lack of real-world experience can create responses that meet the best probable response instead of factual answers.
    Gaurav Basra, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • This expansive series was edited by Paul E. Blackwood, a scientist and educator with the US Office of Education, who also wrote government bulletins and surveys on science education research As interest in children’s science books grew, many educators stressed the importance of factual accuracy.
    Jessica George, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The aim is to remove tariffs and other trade barriers to ease the movement of goods in a continent of around 1.5 billion inhabitants.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
  • The aim is to stop the Iranian parliament’s attempt to nationalize the country’s lucrative oil industry.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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