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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
The objectives were met, the elevator was called, but we were pounded into the dirt right at the finish line. Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025 The objective is to study the composition and origin of the domes and surroundings. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Adjective
The defendants insisted there was no conspiracy and that NASL’s lack of recognition as a D1 or D2 league reflected its failure to meet objective metrics, including minimum stadium seating capacity, number of teams and time zone coverage. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 May 2025 Of all the things at risk, the loss of an objective reality is perhaps the most dangerous. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for objective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • As new innovations take hold and produce positive results, remember to prune old practices that are no longer working or have outlived their purpose.
    Michael B. Horn, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Instead the internet and social media accelerated a process in which the whole notion of an empirical truth has become watered down and distorted.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 15 May 2025
  • Decisions were made on the basis of rigorous empirical research and vetting through the minds of the experts — the men and women who led the agencies.
    Michael Eric Siegel, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers, while Islamabad denied involvement and called for an impartial international investigation.
    Zia ur-Rehman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • They were asked to fill out questionnaires gauging their familiarity with the case and ability to be fair and impartial.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • To reach that goal, historical accuracy had to be built into every stage of the plotline.
    Jaha Nailah Avery, Essence, 13 May 2025
  • The Presidents Cup, the PGA Championship, this is a major historical legacy for sports here in this city.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Amid uncertainty over Trump’s sweeping tariffs, inflation eased to a four-year low in April, but is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • The goal for the team is to build robotic systems that adjust to the environment using just physics, which would require less computing power (or no computing power at all) to work.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, experts agree this is one step closer to a more equitable and accessible approach to Alzheimer’s care.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 21 May 2025
  • In the first few years, the unequal access to vaccines was one of the biggest challenges, with one study finding that up to half the COVID-19 deaths in many lower income countries could have been avoided with a more equitable supply of vaccines.
    Simon Williams, Time, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • The backlash to Bongino’s factual statement is part of a broader political phenomenon.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
  • This is a preview of The 1600—Tap here to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Launched in 2024 with the aim of addressing the needs of the 50-and-older club, Myne Beauty debuted direct-to-consumer with two skin care products — a $49 hydrating serum and a $48 night cream formulated with retinol, vitamin C and peptides.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
  • Last week at its virtual Content + AI Summit, Box announced significant AI enhancements to its platform, with the aim of significantly reshaping not only its own capabilities, but perhaps enterprise content management more broadly.
    Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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