object 1 of 2

Definition of objectnext

object

2 of 2

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
Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
Verb
That showed some members were worried the committee was too dovish in its outlook, and objected to signaling lower rates were coming. Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 17 June 2026 Not surprisingly, some council members objected to the idea of having city services taken out of their hands. John Ramos, CBS News, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • Fargo decried that speakers during were only given one minute for comment on the item on Tuesday.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
  • Each puzzle has exactly one solution, so watch out for words or items that seem to belong to multiple categories!
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • The National Archives will run his archives and loan artifacts to the Chicago site, but the Obama Center will remain a nonprofit entity, with its exhibits under its control.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 15 June 2026
  • The bishop was among 34 individuals and 47 entities that EU countries added to a Russia sanctions list Monday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • The Supreme Court decided in 2014 that inherited IRAs do not qualify as retirement funds for purposes of federal bankruptcy protection, as beneficiaries cannot make new contributions and are often required to take distributions from the account.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • That purpose might come from family, work, creativity, advocacy, faith or friendships.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Lee remembers her parents sending her to a friend’s house several blocks away when an angry mob showed up at her family’s home to protest Black residents moving into the Fort Worth neighborhood.
    Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 19 June 2026
  • This year, three pitchers on the Giants – including that night’s starter, Landen Roupp – appeared to protest the spirit of the symbolism.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Like all things data center, this one comes with controversy.
    David Wade, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • The great thing about Taylor is that my girl knows how to write a song.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • To improve water quality, the government hired Green Water Solutions, a federal contractor that installs water purification systems to reduce toxins, algae and other substances in contaminated water, according to its website.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • In the years after Buffy, Brendon, who did not have any kids, spoke out about struggling with depression as well as alcohol and substance addictions, checking into rehab between multiple arrests, including for domestic violence charges and prescription fraud.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Wood then chested the ball back to Just, who took one touch before kicking the ball in for New Zealand’s first goal in the seventh minute.
    Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
  • Al-Amri may have the goal, but Al-Owais is surely the star man of this game thus far.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump has frequently complained that Obama’s deal included the transport of cash from the US to Iran.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • Plus, who can complain when the gorgeous Block Island — which, unlike Rhode Island, is actually an island — is described as New England’s Caribbean?
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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