object 1 of 2

object

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun object contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of object are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, objective, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," 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 aim be a reasonable alternative to object?

While in some cases nearly identical to object, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When is it sensible to use design instead of object?

Although the words design and object have much in common, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When might end be a better fit than object?

The synonyms end and object are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 can goal be used instead of object?

The meanings of goal and object largely overlap; however, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When could intent be used to replace object?

While the synonyms intent and object are close in meaning, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

In what contexts can intention take the place of object?

The words intention and object 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

When is objective a more appropriate choice than object?

In some situations, the words objective and object are roughly equivalent. However, objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When would purpose be a good substitute for object?

The words purpose and object are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 object
Noun
This careful search led Phan's team to a single object, a tiny dot in the infrared data. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 May 2025 At one point during the incident, which lasted about 30 minutes, the victim was surrounded by 18 students and Morrison, who hit the child with an object. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Verb
Universities not surprisingly object as a matter of course. Matthew G. Andersson, Hartford Courant, 6 May 2025 One family member, however, objected to the resentencing and filed an amicus brief in opposition through his attorney, Kathleen Cady. Stepheny Price , Melissa Chrise , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • In October, Mary discovered a tracker on her car, as well as a receipt showing that Nathan had purchased an item from the tracker’s company, according to court documents.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
  • Menswear items were fused with women’s ready-to-wear which conveyed how comfortable the global artist was with enmeshing differing energies together mainly masculine and feminine energies.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, commercial entities collect vast amounts of consumer and health-related behavior data with little to no meaningful consent.
    Mika Newton, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • The Emoluments Clause of the Constitution bars people who hold federal office from accepting gifts from foreign entities without Congress' approval.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The screen served different purposes at different junctures.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Mavericks fans haven’t stopped protesting and cursing Nico’s name since.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 13 May 2025
  • In California, people have protested against the tech billionaire at Tesla dealerships across the Sacramento area, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, as part of movements including the Tesla Takedown campaign.
    Kendrick Marshall, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Instead of approaching them and giving them the opportunity to say mean things to you, consider trying to make friends with other girls -- girls who might like to be friends with you too.
    Mark Mondier, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
  • People would be discussing things, sketching things, spilling out at night, drinking coffee in the day, and having cocktails at night.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Cracks in the walls outside the classroom have been sealed with a white caulk-like substance.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
  • In February, the conversation circles around substance abuse.
    Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 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
  • Senate Bill 161 also requires the Regional Transportation District to align itself with state climate goals, establish worker-retention goals and develop ways to measure its progress on reaching those aims.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Cannon complained to Delta and to the Department of Transportation, which regulates airlines.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • That also prompted a number of customers to complain about the issue on social media.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on object

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