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

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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
Sprinkle Them Throughout Your Decor Regardless of their fiscal value, antiques often become the most interesting object in a room, says del Balzo. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025 Initially viewed as a means to boost countries’ economies, the programs have increasingly become an object of concern among both U.S. and European Union over the lack of transparency. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 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
  • Hoarding disorder is a psychiatric condition defined by urges to save items and difficulty discarding current possessions.
    — Mary E. Dozier, CNN, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Frei said not charging for bags, unlike the Costco $1.50 hot dog, is not a loss leader, something a company sells at a loss just to win over customers who might buy more expensive, and profitable, items.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of item
Noun
  • There’s no deadline to claim property once it’s been transferred to the State Controller’s Office by banks, businesses, insurance companies and other entities.
    — Kendrick Marshall, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In Callahan’s view, the pilot program has another flaw: The states and other entities that apply are required to bring up to 20 percent of their project’s costs to the table, a serious obstacle to Native tribes, which, in Callahan’s view, shouldn’t be subject to the matching-funds obligation.
    — Ben Goldfarb, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of entity
Noun
  • For recording purposes, some of the best models will continue to run on powerful personal computers.
    — Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Green presents many symbols of unease that exist without purpose throughout the film.
    — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Now it may get axed, via Nicole Nixon California state workers protest return-to-office order.
    — William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Organizers protested in the lobby for about an hour Thursday morning.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of protest
Noun
  • However, things are smooth sailing for the couple as they were spotted having dinner with friends in New York City at Crane Club just days before the awards ceremony.
    — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Other than making music, my go-to thing was riding bikes.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • In October 2023, California banned four substances — BVO, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3 — due to links with serious health concerns as cancer, endocrine and reproductive issues, and heart and liver problems.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Tracey has a caseload of 30 Skid Row-area patients dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues in addition to other health issues.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of substance
Noun
  • The goal: Eliminate the gross receipts tax portion of BIRT and reduce the net income portion by half by fiscal year 2039.
    — Mike D'Onofrio, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But the attitude of our coaches was, ‘Again, again — next goal, next goal’.
    — Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • Appeals court rules Trump can implement anti-DEI executive orders for now In address about vision for DOJ, Trump complains about prior probes In: Joe Biden Donald Trump January 6 Melissa Quinn Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Fix Problems Many of us like to complain about broken systems, inefficient processes, or other things that annoy us at work.
    — Joseph Liu, Forbes, 17 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 23 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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