object 1 of 2

object

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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

Examples 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
Anger in affected communities over the government's response culminated in Valencia residents throwing mud and other objects at Spain's visiting King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Sunday. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 The virus is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact like kissing the face of a child with RSV, by touching the surface of an object like a doorknob that has the virus on it or by getting virus droplets in the eyes, nose or mouth from someone around you coughing or sneezing. Omer Awan, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
In the past four years, according to a survey by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, at least nineteen election-board members in nine counties across the state have objected to certifying an election. Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024 Today’s hearing was structured around the Manhattan DA office’s request to meld together the remains of the old case with the new charge — something the defense objects to. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for object 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for object
Noun
  • Of the 100 items featured, most belong to workaday folks, but some belong to celebrities.
    Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Disneyland adds a few new surprises this Christmas holiday season Many of the most scrumptious looking items on the holiday menu are plays on popular dishes already beloved by Disneylanders.
    Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Vodafone has previously said that the combined entity, once merged, would invest £11 billion ($14.46 billion) into U.K. telecommunications infrastructure.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The teams at SpringHill and Fulwell 73, whose partners include James Corden, are looking at what’s happening in the media and entertainment sector and believe that consolidation would create a stronger entity rather than leaving each separately, one source said.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • These extensions have been funded primarily by loans from Water On Demand, Inc. Fortune Rise Acquisition Corporation is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger or similar business combination.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • For apps whose express purpose is to help people find friends, my matches seemed overwhelmingly uninterested in chatting, let alone meeting up.
    Allie Volpe, Vox, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Joe Gibbs Racing cannot protest the ruling and on Monday morning Christopher Bell threw some shade on social media with a passive aggressive dig that Chevys were in cahoots to advance their own drivers.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Tunisians have tried to protest Saied’s authoritarianism, kindling hope among observers that the country might return to its democratizing trajectory.
    Sarah E. Yerkes, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Long-term, things look better for Nix and the Broncos by the week.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
  • His ruling doesn’t quite end things; Brandon still has to be formally sentenced by yet another judge, who will have the option of once again rejecting the deal and reinstating the murder charge.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • And if there are any more problems because of her substance abuse, all bets will be off.
    Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Williams' Time as Mayor of Huntingdon Williams, 60, has served as Huntington's mayor since 2012, implementing strategies to address substance abuse, including establishing the state's first citywide Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP).
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Thinness and ultra-portability have never been primary goals for the larger MacBook Pro, instead showcasing how much power Apple can cram into a mobile computer.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Related:Why party members are focused on flipping these seats on Louisville's Metro Council District 18: Marilyn Parker likely beats Mera Corlett Incumbent Marilyn Parker, a Republican, seems to have kept her seat despite the Jefferson County Democratic Party's goal of flipping it blue.
    Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Auto dealers who sell its products have complained that high prices have left inventories piling up.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The late-night show cut to footage of Trump speaking at his rallies in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania on Friday and Saturday, respectively, and complaining about people like Rep. Adam Schiff.
    Michaela Zee, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near object

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on object

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