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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
Edge’s technology seeks to enhance how fans experience tennis in-stadium or at home, aligning with a USTA Ventures’ objective. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025 The objectives of this war cannot be viewed in isolation. Felice Friedson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Adjective
Proper mild cognitive impairment diagnosis requires a cognitive complaint by the patient or family member, objective evidence of cognitive impairment on testing, preserved independence in daily functioning, and confirmation that the person does not meet criteria for dementia. Nawab John Dar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025 And nothing would shut down his haters faster than an objective win for U.S. interests. Philip Elliott, Time, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for objective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective
Noun
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
  • Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The result is a new breed of marketing initiatives that balance creative intuition with empirical validation, allowing executives to identify the precise line between boldness and recklessness.
    Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Though it was hypothesized to be a pest-resisting tactic, there was no empirical evidence proving this.
    Jay Kakade June 30, New Atlas, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The court determined that prosecutors with the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office made procedural errors during the trial that undermined the jury’s ability to reach an impartial verdict.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
  • The government said that independence requirement merely means the task force is supposed to make recommendations based on their impartial medical and public-health judgments.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Williams said that even though the Holocaust has been the subject of intense historical interest over the years, many parts of that history, particularly in Eastern Europe, remain unexplored or unknown.
    Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 30 June 2025
  • Apart from its historical interest, Egyptian blue also has fascinating optical, magnetic, and biological properties that could prove useful in practical applications today, per the authors.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • After being shut out in the group stage opener, Man City's superstar Erling Haaland has caught fire, scoring a goal in each of their past two matches.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Similar to a puzzle, the goal is for kids to arrange the strings in a way that fits within the board’s pattern.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Global Fund is already working with countries, communities and partners to prepare for rapid, equitable rollout — supporting regulatory readiness, delivery infrastructure and community engagement.
    Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Boise’s team has identified housing structures in the Lusk District, near Boise State, and is trying to find ways to create an equitable billing program for the geothermal system, according to Bre Brush, the mayor’s transportation adviser and a member of the team that worked on the proposal.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the Court of Appeals ruling said a hearing to present evidence is not always required before issuing a preliminary injunction and if there are no factual disputes.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
  • With 74 percent of respondents expressing uncertainty about at least one claim's veracity, the findings highlight the challenge facing voters where shared factual understanding appears increasingly fragmented.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The aim of the lawsuit is to restore the original recommendation for children and pregnant women to receive COVID shots.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2025
  • The aim of this strategy is to curb the technological and military advancements of the country.
    Dmitrii Khasanov, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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