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
Addressed an issue where players could pass through movable objects while sprinting inside kofuns. —Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 Ordinary objects—like Fischer’s desk or Hatch’s couch—give life to the rich personal stories that existed beneath national narratives of dilapidation, violence and poverty. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
But his administration did not criticize or overtly object to the ruling in a news release that was issued Tuesday afternoon. —Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025 The draconian rules imposed upon women and girls in Afghanistan are strictly enforced with those objecting being threatened, beaten, detained and subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment in detention. —Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 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
  • In honor of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, the restaurant is offering a BOGO meal deal on entree items to jersey-wearing customers who dine-in through the end of the business day.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Plastic bottles, aluminum cans and wooden pallets are among the items banned from landfills in the state.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of item
Noun
  • The shortest answer to this question is that a violin and a fiddle are structurally the same instrument, but it can certainly be argued that a fiddle is its own entity.
    — Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This year, the two entities solicited corporations to donate $75,000 to $200,000 in sponsorships with the promise of on-campus branding and logo displays typically banned due to concerns of private gain spurred by taxpayer dollars.
    — Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of entity
Noun
  • The name’s ironic on purpose—the app allows users to create, send, and receive anonymous voice messages in a celebrity’s tone.
    — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Each edge of this triangle-esque tool serves a unique purpose: a smooth, long side for sweeping over wider areas like calves, arms, and thighs; a precision tip for targeted acupressure; and a ridged edge for digging into tense tissue.
    — Allure, Allure, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • In Santa Cruz, several hundred people gathered at the corner of Ocean and Water streets at a busy intersection near the county government center to protest Trump and his policies.
    — Harriet Blair Rowan, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • That group is protesting Tesla CEO Elon Musk's influential role in the Trump administration.
    — Emma Bowman, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of protest
Noun
  • And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
    — Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
  • By Jenna Ryu April 10, 2025 A playful rivalry is one thing.
    — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.
    — Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Within the compulsively readable and entertaining pages of all her stories, Weiner loads complex issues that resonate in women’s lives – body image and weight shaming; motherhood and infertility; infidelity; addiction and substance abuse, just to name a few.
    — Samantha Dunn, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of substance
Noun
  • The key to success is finding the best glycolic acid formula for your skin’s needs and goals, which includes figuring out the right format and concentration of acid.
    — Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The seventh-place Lions are only below Chelsea on goal differential and have just a one-point deficit with Manchester City for the final Champions League spot.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • Pundits complained last year’s Cannes was a light affair, but that had to do with the bottleneck created by the strikes, for one.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The new plan arrives after many existing Claude subscribers complained of hitting rate limits frequently.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 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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