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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
Gunn’s objective is to banalize the very concept that Snyder sought to elevate. Armond White, National Review, 11 July 2025 Despite this hiccup, NASA considered the test successful, achieving several primary objectives and giving insights into further improving the booster before the upcoming Artemis launches. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
Given this definitional chaos, researchers have tried to create objective benchmarks to measure progress toward AGI, but these attempts have revealed their own set of problems. ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025 Moderna set its objective high — achieve 100% adoption and proficiency of generative AI by all its people with access to digital solutions in a six-month period. Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for objective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective
Noun
  • In addition to being easier to use, steamers can serve a dual purpose; the steam acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating not only wrinkles but also odor-causing bacteria.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
  • As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • This line of thinking would make sense with the results from the very first empirical test of TLR in a chimaera species, Callorhinchus milii, also known as the elephant fish.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • And the empirical evidence may be showing that markets, like everything else, can become so conditioned to chaos that all the old rules no longer apply.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Restructuring sounds proactive; business optimization sounds strategic; and a focus on cost structures feels impartial.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 20 July 2025
  • While representing a 26-year-old Shoshone County woman accused in 2014 of suffocating her boyfriend’s 22-month-old child, Taylor succeeded in getting the trial moved to Kootenai County out of concern of seating an impartial jury.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Supporters say the bill aims to protect historical monuments, not restrict peaceful protest.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • The function of an obituary is to situate its subject’s life and work in historical context.
    John Darnielle, Pitchfork, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • After all, performance reviews often come with structured agendas, metrics and formal goals.
    Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Although the artist had specific weight loss goals, her primary focus is her mental health.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Walsh adds that these issues won’t be solved without more equitable access to childcare for working-class families.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 21 July 2025
  • The fact is that allowing customer data to flow, under an equitable arrangement, is good not only for banks and fintechs but for society as a whole.
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • The new world order is truth to truth, answer to query, whereby factual snippets are revered and rewarded.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Writers who draw on personal stories are often dogged by nonfiction’s prevailing imperative of factual precision.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Just over two weeks since floods in the Texas Hill Country killed more than 130 people, Texas lawmakers start a special legislative session today with the aim of funding recovery and protecting from future disasters.
    Blaise Gainey, NPR, 21 July 2025
  • With Intelsat’s next-generation satellite dishes and Whitaker’s peace instructors, these outposts have become beacons of hyper-technology and anti-war activism, with the aim of radiating their waves of pacifism outward.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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