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.
In January 2021, after took office, some Republican senators attempted to delay his Cabinet confirmations by slow-walking the process through procedural delays and objections rather than filibuster speeches. Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 Now judges will be able to decide while also being able to consider objections from both the defense and the prosecutors. Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 For both countries, especially Jordan, such an influx would be extremely destabilizing, and both governments reiterated their objections to his latest demands. Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025 The showdown outside the Treasury building came after days of frustration from those opposed to Musk’s actions that Democrats were not showcasing their objections enough. Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Objection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/objection. Accessed 3 Mar. 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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