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

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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
Since the pandemic ended, ASMA has shifted their approach to be less focused on objects and more focused on creating psychological landscapes as opportunities to show internationally and in larger spaces to expand the scale of their practice. —Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 7 Mar. 2025 Funny Wildlife & Nature Photography A rare, young desert kit fox explores a camera lens by biting on it, curious about the object and of what exactly it’s made — if clearly inedible. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
No evidence was offered, and the council did not object to the accusations. —Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025 The faculty union at the City University of New York is objecting to Gov. Hochul’s order to interrupt the hiring process for a Palestinian Studies professor, saying the move is an overreach of the governor into academic affairs. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 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
  • Even retrospectives—the moments meant for honest reflection and growth—too often end as repositories of action items that never materialize into change.
    — Federico Imparatta, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The bag’s practical design has an interior center pocket divider with a zipper closure and one interior slip pocket to organize my items while keeping them safe.
    — Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of item
Noun
  • Translated, the more dollars that any entity is expected to collect in the future, the easier that entity will find borrowing.
    — John Tamny, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Down payment assistance Offered by lenders, government agencies and other entities, down payment assistance (or DPA) programs provide a grant or loan toward a down payment, closing costs or other upfront expenses.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of entity
Noun
  • Social recognition is written by employees who are eager to shout to the rooftops about their colleagues – with the express purpose of sharing it.
    — Eric Mosley, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Liang’s vast, all-consuming solitude pierces through each of these phases, as does his unfulfilled yen for presence and purpose: Though this particular island time slips and stretches and swerves back and forth, no clear future ever materializes for him.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • About 300 demonstrators protested at a Tesla dealership in New York City on Saturday.
    — Rodrique Ngowi and Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Your brain might protest at first, but your happiness will soar. 5.
    — Jessica Weiss, Contributor, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of protest
Noun
  • Luckily, Pattinson manages to keep things buoyant without diluting the late-capitalism metaphors or the melancholy existentialism.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The best nutrients for bone health Here’s where things get interesting: dairy foods meet many of these requirements.
    — Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • This breakdown in the barrier then lets in outside substances and microbes, and the immune system goes wild.
    — Alison Escalante, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In order to accomplish this, there must be a major temperature difference between the substance itself and its environment.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of substance
Noun
  • Other scores: Bolles 20, Timber Creek 4 Girls Lacrosse Bartram Trail 12, Bishop Moore 6 Buzz: Lizzie Scalzo had a goal and an assist for the Hornets (5-3) while Sam Wilson had 13 saves at keeper.
    — Buddy Collings, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The Climate Policy Council states that Germany is about to miss both national goals and the EU 2030 requirements, which means that new policies must be implemented quickly.
    — Mattias Goldmann, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • While many people who renounced their citizenship complained of being unhappy with the political climate in the US, another reason for their decision is often taxes, Alistair Bambridge, a partner at Bambridge Accountants, told CNN in August 2020.
    — Edward Szekeres, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed dramatically with the Ukrainian leader in the Oval Office Friday after Zelenskyy complained about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
    — Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of complain

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Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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