objection

noun

ob·​jec·​tion əb-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce objection (audio)
plural objections
1
: an act of objecting
2
a
: a reason or argument presented in opposition
b
: a feeling or expression of disapproval
c
: a statement of opposition to an aspect of a judicial or other legal proceeding
file an objection to a proposed bankruptcy plan

Examples of objection in a Sentence

My main objection is that some people will have to pay more than others. He said he had no objection to the plan.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That objection gained force with the rise of Japan. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 The ban would make permanent temporary emergency regulations enacted last year over the objections of hemp business operators, who argue that the rules threaten the viability of California’s hemp industry. A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Protests erupted across the U.S., most notably in Los Angeles, where Trump federalized 4,000 National Guard members and sent in 700 Marines over the objections of state and local officials. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025 In Los Angeles, Trump took the unusual step of nationalizing units of the California National Guard and also sent in U.S. Marines over the objections of Gavin Newsom, the state's Democratic governor. David Folkenflik, NPR, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for objection

Word History

Etymology

Middle English objeccioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin objectiōn-, objectiō, from Latin obicere, objicere "to throw in the way, put forward, cite as a ground for disapproval or criticism" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at object entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of objection was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Objection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/objection. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

objection

noun
ob·​jec·​tion əb-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce objection (audio)
1
: an act of objecting
2
: a reason for or a feeling of disapproval
my objection is this
had objections to the plan

Legal Definition

objection

noun
ob·​jec·​tion
1
: an act or instance of objecting
specifically : a statement of opposition to an aspect of a judicial or other legal proceeding
file an objection to a proposed bankruptcy plan
2
: a reason or argument forming the ground of an objection

Note: Objections at trial are generally made for the purpose of opposing the admission of improper evidence. Such an objection must be made in a timely manner. Objections prevent the jury from seeing or hearing the evidence and preserve the issue for appeal. Objections may also be made on the ground of the opposing counsel's improper methods (as leading a witness) or for other technical reasons.

More from Merriam-Webster on objection

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