objective 1 of 2

noun

Definition of objectivenext
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the summer camp's stated objective is to produce tournament-level tennis players

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

objective

2 of 2

adjective

əb-ˈjek-tiv How to pronounce objective (audio)
1
as in empirical
based on observation or experience an objective assessment based solely upon the results of the experiment

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impartial
marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias the judge removed herself from the case because she doubted her ability to remain objective, given her friendship with one of the attorneys

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3
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact the paper's news stories strive to be scrupulously objective, with opinions clearly labeled as commentary

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun objective contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of objective are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When is aim a more appropriate choice than objective?

While in some cases nearly identical to objective, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When can design be used instead of objective?

The meanings of design and objective largely overlap; however, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

In what contexts can end take the place of objective?

The words end and objective are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use goal instead of objective?

Although the words goal and objective have much in common, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When would intent be a good substitute for objective?

The synonyms intent and objective are sometimes interchangeable, but intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When might intention be a better fit than objective?

The words intention and objective 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

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of objective?

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 purpose be a reasonable alternative to objective?

While the synonyms purpose and objective are close in meaning, 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 objective
Noun
Having concrete objectives transforms a no-buy from a restriction into a purposeful journey. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 17 Mar. 2025 This Week: Seek out quiet time to ponder future objectives. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ★★★★ This is a playful, romantic day! —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
So that won't bias my independent and objective review. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025 These policies set objective design standards for new housing developments and implement a new process of approving projects that meet certain criteria, including anything larger than 250 square feet. —Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for objective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective
  1. purpose
  2. empirical
  3. impartial
  4. historical
  5. goal
  6. equitable
  7. factual
  8. aim
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
Adjective
  • When asked about commercial goals for Tsunami Sea — considering that Eternal Blue peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, its follow-up could become the band’s first 10 entry — Mageau shrugs off anything empirical.
    — Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025
  • There's empirical evidence that supports the fact that all kinds of diverse projects do well and make money.
    — Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • There was no sign of keeping things impartial for Shah, who as the ICC chief is meant to be independent and act without bias.
    — Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • There must be prompt, transparent and impartial investigations into all the killings and other violations, and those responsible must be held to account, in line with international law norms and standards.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Here's what a historical design expert says about bringing castlecore into your home and lifestyle (minus the dueling). 7 Decorating Trends Pinterest Says Will Be Huge in 2025 Kat Anderson is a professional seamstress and textile artist, fashion historian, and medieval style specialist.
    — Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The bookseller brought up a high-profile example: Boris Akunin, a best-selling author of historical detective fiction, who has faced nearly every type of opprobrium for his criticism of Putin and the war.
    — Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of historical
Noun
  • But the attitude of our coaches was, ‘Again, again — next goal, next goal’.
    — Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Alex Ovechkin did not have a shot on goal despite playing nearly 19 minutes with 8:41 of it on the power play.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of goal
Adjective
  • This is still hardly equitable, but women have made some gains.
    — Kweilin Ellingrud, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Sponsored by Property Management Inc. and presented by Delta Theta Tau, the Gala will unite more than 700 community and business leaders, as well as families, in a celebration of OE’s mission to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • Although the administration insists this will not be the case, there is no factual reason to believe that narrative as these cut moves are not about efficiency, safety or functionality.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • When users encounter incomplete or misleading information, the model loses credibility—particularly in scenarios requiring factual accuracy, such as healthcare or legal advice.
    — Praveen Thopalle, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of factual
Noun
  • One of our aims was to give a voice to persons who normally don’t get one in movies.
    — Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The move will give ArcGIS users access to high-resolution, photorealistic 3D images of urban areas, with the aim of boosting industries like urban planning, real estate and public infrastructure.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of aim

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Cite this Entry

“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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