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

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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
While officials at Manchester City object to portrayals of their 2008 takeover by Sheikh Mansour, now vice-president of the UAE, as anything but a personal investment, those in Paris and Doha do not dispute the geopolitical dimension behind QSI’s acquisition of PSG. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 30 May 2025 The earlier and thus further away an object is, the greater the redshift. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
For three years the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay had sported such lighting, but in 2024 a Manatee County Commissioner objected. —Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025 Combs' defense objected to Kid Cudi's speculation, and his answer was struck from the record. —Nbc News, NBC news, 22 May 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
  • Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
  • But one food item stood above the rest and captivated the crowd Saturday, June 7.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2025
Definition of item
Noun
  • Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a law barring local governments from passing ordinances to restrict presidential libraries, making the state the entity that would have authority over a future Trump library.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • In fact, unless a black hole is actively in the middle of eating gas, dust or massive stars, the ominous entities remain invisible to us.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Definition of entity
Noun
  • This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.
    — James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
  • These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Why are people protesting President Trump? Critics have questioned Trump’s decision to throw an expensive military parade at a time when service members, veterans and their families are being affected by cuts to federal programs and services.
    — Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
  • Mass emigration since 2021 has drained the island of young people — the ones most likely to protest.
    — Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
Definition of protest
Noun
  • The explosion of money in the game in the past few years has made things only more toxic.
    — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • There are few things more frustrating than having your workflow derailed by glitchy or confusing software.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • When the substance contains more the 0.3% THC in it.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025
  • The justices’ argument, however, largely hinged on questioning the physician plaintiffs’ right to sue the FDA to restore conditions rather than the substance of the case.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of substance
Noun
  • But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • There is not any goal that can justify continuing the military operation at the risk of losing the hostages, at the risk of losing the lives of Israeli soldiers, and the risk of losing the lives of many of the non-involved people in Gaza.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • The firing after a nearly 30-year run appeared to surprise Starkey, after reports that Daltrey was not happy with the drummer’s performance at a March Royal Albert Hall gig, complaining from stage that Starkey’s loud playing was throwing him off.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 27 May 2025
  • Many complain about a lack of tort reform, unrestricted attorney advertising or litigation funding, all of which contribute significantly to the scam.
    — Robert Tyson, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 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 11 Jun. 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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