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
Sprinkle Them Throughout Your Decor Regardless of their fiscal value, antiques often become the most interesting object in a room, says del Balzo. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025 Initially viewed as a means to boost countries’ economies, the programs have increasingly become an object of concern among both U.S. and European Union over the lack of transparency. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
But their attempt was blocked Friday, Mar. 14th, as Senator Rick Scott of Florida objected without, however, offering a reason. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Over the past year, Foo Fighters, Isaac Hayes, Rufus Wainwright, Jack White and Celine Dion have all objected to Trump’s use of their songs in assorted rallies and political settings. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • Hoarding disorder is a psychiatric condition defined by urges to save items and difficulty discarding current possessions.
    Mary E. Dozier, CNN, 16 Mar. 2025
  • This location is said to be in place for at least a year, with menu items rotating and changing as Netflix’s lineup grows.
    Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There’s no deadline to claim property once it’s been transferred to the State Controller’s Office by banks, businesses, insurance companies and other entities.
    Kendrick Marshall, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In Callahan’s view, the pilot program has another flaw: The states and other entities that apply are required to bring up to 20 percent of their project’s costs to the table, a serious obstacle to Native tribes, which, in Callahan’s view, shouldn’t be subject to the matching-funds obligation.
    Ben Goldfarb, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.
    Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The automation of jobs by AI could lead to widespread unemployment and economic inequality, leaving many people feeling powerless and without purpose.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The move has been met with controversy as a number of Syrian Druze have protested the Israeli overture and occupation.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But Chelsea is teflon to the insults and Rick protests much about his annoyance with her.
    Joe Joyce, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Here’s where things stand and what stakeholders hope the next steps will be for regulators.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Certainty about tariff uncertainty U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett acknowledged that there will be more uncertainty regarding tariffs before things settle down.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Tracey has a caseload of 30 Skid Row-area patients dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues in addition to other health issues.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
  • In October 2023, California banned four substances — BVO, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3 — due to links with serious health concerns as cancer, endocrine and reproductive issues, and heart and liver problems.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But the attitude of our coaches was, ‘Again, again — next goal, next goal’.
    Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Alex Ovechkin did not have a shot on goal despite playing nearly 19 minutes with 8:41 of it on the power play.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Biden complained when the courts blocked his efforts to forgive student loan debt.
    Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Fix Problems Many of us like to complain about broken systems, inefficient processes, or other things that annoy us at work.
    Joseph Liu, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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