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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
Ruling an isolated, ruined, and besieged Gaza Strip will not get Hamas closer to this objective—but building up a strong political presence in the West Bank could, and accepting the latest proposal could free Hamas to do this. Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025 Netanyahu warned that if Hamas declines, Israel will act independently to pursue its objectives in Gaza. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Meaning doesn’t have to be objective. Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025 The company’s researchers developed a way to more accurately quantify hand feel durability in an objective way. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for objective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective
Noun
  • The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described.
    David McMillin, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Each piece was weathered and color-coded to signal hierarchy and purpose, grounding the film’s grand concept of a migrating Earth into reality.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In sum, the judges reasoned the antitrust analysis hinges on the production of much more evidence and empirical data than has been presented by either side.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Today our data may be unassailably empirical, but our emotions are very much apocalyptic.
    Ed Simon September 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Our reviews are impartial and our opinions are our own.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Guterres also announced that nominations were now open for candidates to join the new International Independent Scientific Panel on AI, designed to provide impartial scientific evidence on the impacts of the technology.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the business classic Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, Charles Mackay examined the psychology of crowd behavior and mass hysteria throughout history, from the Dutch Tulip Mania of the 1630s to humanity’s historical obsession with transmuting base metals into gold.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Designed by German designer and architect Paul Renner, the century-old Zehlendorf estate blends historical design with modern comforts and a rare stretch of private shoreline on the Waldsee.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Last season, in Game 5 of the Panthers’ second-round series against Toronto, Boqvist finished with a goal and an assist with Rodrigues injured and played alongside Barkov and Sam Reinhart on Florida’s top line after moving up from his usual spot on the fourth line.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
  • After a recent Rangers’ preseason game, Sullivan was shown a video clip of the goal.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • How can hospitals, clinics and health care workers make sure that breastfeeding support is available to everyone and is equitable?
    Ann Kellams, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Last season, with a more equitable split, Theodore kept up the same level of performance and production.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Evaluating defamation claims where the report contains demonstrably false factual assertions.
    Tim Reynolds, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
  • MagellanTV has a streaming content offering that ranges across the history, nature, science, space and true crime genres, and a library of premium factual documentaries offered to consumers turning to streaming TV options.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Those designing the new main building decided to cut that association, the aim being to make the first-team facilities an area players must aspire to enter.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The aim is to gather intelligence through photos, video and logging suspicious vessels in the East China Sea to be shared with the United Nations' Enforcement Coordination Cell.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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