OBJECTIVITIES Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

objective 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of objective

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the summer camp's stated objective is to produce tournament-level tennis players

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

objective

2 of 3

adjective

əb-ˈjek-tiv

as in empirical

based on observation or experience an objective assessment based solely upon the results of the experiment

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in impartial

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias the judge removed herself from the case because she doubted her ability to remain objective, given her friendship with one of the attorneys

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as in historical

restricted to or based on fact the paper's news stories strive to be scrupulously objective, with opinions clearly labeled as commentary

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objectivity

3 of 3

noun (2)

ˌäb-ˌjek-ˈti-və-tē

as in neutrality

lack of favoritism toward one side or another the teacher's objectivity would be seriously compromised if his own child were placed in the class

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

In this case, the objective is to uncover the reasons why customers buy, stall or churn. — Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 In 2025, the United States joined Israel in bombing Iran, and in 2026 the United States and Israel launched a full-scale war with the initial objective of regime change in Tehran. — Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Doctors are watching too, with some intrigued by the objective data and others worried users could mistake it for real medical screening. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Broncos players and coaches aren’t objective observers, of course, but the sense that Nix is set to turn in an eye-popping season is palpable in all corners of Broncos Park. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026

Noun

After a successful pitch to Hulu, Orton quickly joined the project to assist Maddox at the studio’s behest—a way for Hulu to maintain the film's objectivity and fill in any post-production gaps. — Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 22 July 2026 However, some recent changes at the FDA could hurt international confidence in their objectivity and rigor. — C. Michael White, The Conversation, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for objective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective

Noun

Around for decades, red-light therapy has traditionally been used to treat chronic muscle and joint pain and various injuries, and has shown cosmetic benefits for skin and facial care, purposes for which it’s cleared by the FDA.

— Mirin Fader, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
One of the Constitution’s founding purposes was to prevent change.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of purpose

Adjective

But, Stemler said, there isn’t much empirical data to show how pervasive this practice is, mostly just anecdotes.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Allowing subjective confidence to silently acquire the epistemological status of empirical verification is neither verification nor evidence.

— Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of empirical

Adjective

Judge Debra McCaslin ruled last month that the retrial cannot take place anywhere in the 14th Circuit, finding that Murdaugh would be unable to receive a fair and impartial trial in Colleton County, where the original trial occurred.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
The state attorney in Tallahassee must file criminal charges against all involved in this public fraud and fiasco, if the scales of justice are truly impartial.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of impartial

Adjective

The billionaire chairman and CEO of WorldQuant has been a pioneer in applying AI and other technologies to vast collections of data, looking to build predictive models from historical information.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
At that perilous moment, the players put football in perspective and sensed the historical implications of failing to acknowledge the event’s gravity.

— Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of historical

Noun

Drake Maye's deep shot intended for Romeo Doubs near the goal-line was broken up by safety Rodney Thomas II, and the carom was eventually intercepted by Nehemiah Pritchett.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
This pattern is likely to continue away to Manchester United in the third round of the Carabao Cup next week — Steele kept goal at Old Trafford for a 2-1 win in the third round of the FA Cup in January.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of goal

Adjective

In Burgundy, the directors train their exquisitely observational vérité gaze over the vineyards, owners and workers whose lives revolve around production and consumption of the famed French red.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
The documentary reality of Ryan’s life leans on observational verité techniques, with the camera often placed at an unobtrusive distance and following their freewheeling motions.

— Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of observational

Adjective

Technology can accelerate data modeling, but human governance determines whether those decisions remain equitable, logical and defensible.

— Aniela Unguresan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Reinstating a military draft would ensure a more equitable distribution of national defense responsibilities.

— Jonathan Zimmerman, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of equitable

Adjective

That factual slipperiness might matter less if the psychology connected more deeply.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Docs On The Dock There is always a strong line up of documentaries at the Rendez-Vous, with sellers turning up at the waterfront location with new factual shows.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of factual

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“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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