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

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
Visitors who walk into the museum are greeted with objects ranging from taxidermy animals to a Japanese samurai suit. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 Co-founded by Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, the museum will rotate the famous filmmaker’s vast collection of narrative art, which contains objects not found in more traditional museums, including manga, comics and children’s tales. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Weingart and Kim each noted that Weinstein’s trial lawyers had not objected to the exclusion of a subset of the messages, which would foreclose him from raising the issue on appeal. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 In response, Democrats pledged to object to any funding for DHS without reforms to its immigration enforcement agencies. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • In addition to the popular breakfast items, Izzy’s Place also serves sandwiches, salads and side dishes.
    Jason Dill April 28, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Family photos, found items and pool cues from former lives line the entryway.
    Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The case centers on Musk’s claim that OpenAI, Altman and Microsoft betrayed OpenAI's original mission as a nonprofit to benefit humanity by forming a for-profit entity in March 2019, 13 months after Musk left the OpenAI board.
    Deepa Seetharaman, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Musk alleges he was duped when Altman transformed OpenAI from a nonprofit entity into a for-profit juggernaut.
    John Ruwitch, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that a major purpose of the federal law is to provide uniformity.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Here, sheep can’t solve crimes until human incompetence forces them to step into the breach; though pushed for the purposes of fantasy, the limits of animal intelligence are a poignant factor in the tale.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Deed theft, a type of fraud in which scammers swipe the ownership of others’ homes, was spotlighted this week with the arrest of Councilmember Chi Ossé while protesting the issue.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The Pharisees were the most devout members of ancient Israeli society, and their real agenda was not to trouble Jesus, but to protest against and challenge Rome.
    Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Game 5 showed two things at once.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Rubbing the compost against the screen with a gloved hand will help things along.
    Jessica Damiano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The list of substances Peters and his cohort ingest, inject, and smear on themselves is long and evergrowing, despite the very real risks that come along with them.
    Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Jackson, the youngest son, was found in a bathroom where deputies allegedly saw a black substance in the toilet.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hryckowian, meanwhile, has just one shot on goal in four games despite playing on the top line.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The goal is to build muscle memory before a real emergency.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Elsewhere, Super Mario Galaxy is hardly complaining about coming in second ruling the roost for weeks, since it’s now focused on becoming the first film of the year to join the billion-dollar club after finishing Sunday with a global total of $871 million.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Commenters who never have been — and never will go — complain about the cost, the influencers, the hype.
    Andrea Domanick, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on object

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster