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
Younger dogs may be more likely to eat foreign objects that can give them digestive issues. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 June 2025 Each Lantern is armed with a power ring, one of the mightier objects in the DC universe. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 11 June 2025
Verb
Weinstein defense attorney Arthur Aidala immediately objected. —Emily Berk, NBC news, 11 June 2025 Prosecutors in the University of Idaho student homicides objected to delaying the summer murder trial for defendant Bryan Kohberger, arguing evidence leaks that likely violated the case’s gag order are negligible. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 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
  • 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
  • For example, there were separate legal entities for KFC Asia and KFC Europe.
    — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of entity
Noun
  • The vast majority of university endowments are restricted to specific purposes such as scholarships, professorships and other academic programs.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
  • While these measures aim to increase efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating administrative burdens, DEI may have served a crucial purpose in enhancing VA services to its underserved veteran communities.
    — Cristina Johnson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 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
  • When Oldham’s family announced plans to hold his funeral in Kansas City, Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church decided to protest the event.
    — Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
Definition of protest
Noun
  • Real Madrid is closing in on Argentina’s next big thing As reported by various outlets, Real Madrid is closing in on Mastantuono after sending a delegation to Buenos Aires last week.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sick to death of being poor, Lucy ended things with John.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • 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
  • So far, most of what’s known about the substance’s effects on the brain comes from studies in rats and in cells grown in a lab dish – not in people.
    — Lorne J. Hofseth, The Conversation, 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
  • The goal is to condense a process that can take up to two years down to a handful of months.
    — Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • Patterson complained about her in-laws behind their backs Erin and Simon Patterson got married in 2007 and, after splitting and reconciling multiple times over the years, separated permanently in 2015.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • Occasionally, drivers call the CHP to complain — especially during rush hour.
    — Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 7 June 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 17 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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