object 1 of 2

noun

ˈäb-jikt How to pronounce object (audio)
Definition of objectnext
1
as in item
something material that can be perceived by the senses I kept tripping over countless little objects scattered about the darkened room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in entity
one that has a real and independent existence trying to determine whether communication with the dead is an object for study, a hoax, or a figment of the imagination

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the object of this course is to teach you algebra

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

object

2 of 2

verb

əb-ˈjekt How to pronounce object (audio)
as in to protest
to present an opposing opinion or argument they objected to the conductor's insistence that their train tickets were not valid

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Likewise, the objects of native San Diegan Davin Morgan’s obsessions hit close to home: Tony Gwynn, of course, but also LaDainian Tomlinson. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025 Security scanners at airports could more accurately identify objects in passengers' luggage. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 4 July 2025
Verb
Environmental groups have objected to the Florida government's assertion that the development will have no impact on the unique Everglades ecosystem. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 2 July 2025 Paul objected to the bill's impact on the national debt, calling for more aggressive fiscal reforms. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for object
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
  1. item
  2. entity
  3. purpose
  4. protest
  5. thing
  6. substance
  7. goal
  8. complain
Noun
  • What clothing items are eligible during tax-free weekend?
    — Alaina Morris, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025
  • Overall, the material for storage for most of these items, especially the food, is glass.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
Definition of item
Noun
  • The content and opinions expressed are solely those of the entities mentioned and/or quoted in this article and do not represent those of the publication.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • How will Hamas and other resistance factions act if a Palestinian, Arab, or international entity is entrusted with governing Gaza?
    — Daoud Kuttab, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Definition of entity
Noun
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    — Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
  • Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • During the raid, crowds of people gathered outside Glass House Farms in Camarillo to seek information about their relatives and protest immigration enforcement.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 July 2025
  • The technology replaced roughly 300 human line judges this year, some of whom showed up in their striped uniforms to protest.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of protest
Noun
  • The popularity of body mists comes down to three main things: affordability, versatility, and nostalgia.
    — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 15 July 2025
  • The more Jeanne relies on the authorities, the more complicated things get if and when Suzanne resurfaces.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 July 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Clinicians often prescribe medications used to treat similar disorders, such as substance use disorders.
    — Wendy Wisner, Health, 9 July 2025
  • Friday offers a multi-perspective interrogation of substance use on the album, recounting the highs and lows and the gray area in between.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Definition of substance
Noun
  • Maintaining trust with students has long been a goal of Casas.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
  • Messi’s feelings for this goal come across as a mixture of pride, fondness and perhaps a bit of disbelief.
    — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • A number of Tesla shareholders, including some Democrats who oversee the investment of public sector pension fund money in Tesla stock, complained in May to Tesla Board Chair Robyn Denholm that Musk’s other activities are hurting the company.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Essentially, the legislation does away with a process that some have complained can be time-consuming and expensive—at least in some cases.
    — Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Definition of complain

Browse Nearby Words

obituary
object
objected
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Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on object

Nglish: Translation of object for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about object

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