objective 1 of 2

objective

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun objective contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of objective are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When is aim a more appropriate choice than objective?

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

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When can design be used instead of objective?

The meanings of design and objective largely overlap; however, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

In what contexts can end take the place of objective?

The words end and objective are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use goal instead of objective?

Although the words goal and objective have much in common, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When would intent be a good substitute for objective?

The synonyms intent and objective are sometimes interchangeable, but intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When might intention be a better fit than objective?

The words intention and objective 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

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of objective?

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 purpose be a reasonable alternative to objective?

While the synonyms purpose and objective are close in meaning, 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 objective
Noun
Vanguard’s whole approach where the objective is to constantly lower fees is highly un-Wall Street. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 July 2025 And then the final big objective is just: What will the workforce of the future in an AI-first world look like? Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
Given this definitional chaos, researchers have tried to create objective benchmarks to measure progress toward AGI, but these attempts have revealed their own set of problems. ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025 Moderna set its objective high — achieve 100% adoption and proficiency of generative AI by all its people with access to digital solutions in a six-month period. Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for objective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective
Noun
  • This is a time to let go of outdated beliefs or structures that are no longer serving your higher purpose.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
  • At Moody, the theology major found purpose leading weekly devotionals in her dorm, guiding her peers in prayer.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Lee then escalated her commitment to empirical transparency by self pleasuring daily for 30 consecutive days, documenting the physiological variations, and posting analysis on Reddit’s DataIsBeautiful subreddit.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • However, scientists are developing tools that more precisely predict life expectancy based upon empirical indicators, such as mutation rates, blood biomarkers, telomere length and DNA methylation patterns that measure how your body is aging at a cellular level.
    David A. Brenner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Restructuring sounds proactive; business optimization sounds strategic; and a focus on cost structures feels impartial.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 20 July 2025
  • While representing a 26-year-old Shoshone County woman accused in 2014 of suffocating her boyfriend’s 22-month-old child, Taylor succeeded in getting the trial moved to Kootenai County out of concern of seating an impartial jury.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Supporters say the bill aims to protect historical monuments, not restrict peaceful protest.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • All the [senior] command of the Manhattan Project [were present] to record the moment for historical purposes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The Argentine forward has 12 goals and seven assists in league play this season, his best return in three seasons in purple.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
  • This is a rebirth of identity, self-image, and personal goals.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ensuring transparency, consent and equitable data use is essential to building trust and avoiding unintended forms of exploitation.
    Ming-Chien Chyu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The board also resolved to work transparently and with equitable participation to create a new funding formula that would finally end all of the bickering about money.
    Will McKenna, Baltimore Sun, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • The factual takeaway is that prior S&P 500 returns have averaged to 8.27%.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • To Holmes, much of the information being obscured is factual, not political.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • On Friday, the State Bond Commission approved funding for four body scanners as part of a pilot program with the aim of ending strip searches in the state’s prison facilities.
    Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The projects will be presented to international film funders, sales agents, distributors, broadcasters and festival programmers with the aim of helping them be completed and boost their distribution chances.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on objective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!