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objective

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adjective

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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
Having concrete objectives transforms a no-buy from a restriction into a purposeful journey. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 17 Mar. 2025 This Week: Seek out quiet time to ponder future objectives. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ★★★★ This is a playful, romantic day! Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
So that won't bias my independent and objective review. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025 These policies set objective design standards for new housing developments and implement a new process of approving projects that meet certain criteria, including anything larger than 250 square feet. Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for objective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective
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
Adjective
  • This provided empirical evidence for legal realism, the theory that judges don't simply apply legal rules mechanically but are influenced by a variety of extralegal factors including emotions, social context and their own sense of justice.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Serano and other pro-LGBTQ organizations have also highlighted the lack of empirical evidence supporting AGP as a clinical concept.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Maine’s governor never believed her state would receive an impartial investigation.
    Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 11 Mar. 2025
  • There must be prompt, transparent and impartial investigations into all the killings and other violations, and those responsible must be held to account, in line with international law norms and standards.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Even in a historical context, the Thunder’s season has been exceptional.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The latest revelation underscores concerns over Russia's reach and Vienna's historical vulnerabilities to foreign infiltration, particularly after last year's arrest of a former Austrian intelligence officer accused of leaking sensitive data to Moscow.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Crosby’s line was on the ice for three goals against in the first period.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Luis Díaz is a big-time player for Colombia, who has scored nine goals in 22 starts for Liverpool this season.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The department is designed to ensure equitable access to quality education nationwide and enforces protections for students with disabilities, Its dismantling could be more costly for Trump-voting states than blue states, Axios' April Rubin has reported.
    Axios, Axios, 22 Mar. 2025
  • McCourt proposes a more equitable arrangement, allowing creators to carry their followers seamlessly from platform to platform instead.
    Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Next week, the NTSB intends to release the hazardous materials, meteorological and survival factors factual reports and a study conducted by its office of engineering on vessel size increases and associated safety risk.
    Alexandra Koch, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • But there’s a simple way to take control of the situation: stay factual.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The aim is to keep winning in the FA Cup, too, with a trip to Fulham next Saturday standing in the way of a semi-final at Wembley.
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The aim was to boost safety and reduce car crash casualties, but part of the road to introducing further automation into cars.
    Nicole Kobie, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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