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
Blue Ghost operated on the lunar surface for two weeks and completed all of its objectives. —Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025 Most of the federal briefs filed by California during the Biden administration supported the Democratic president’s objectives. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Adjective
By contrast, the e-tattoo delivers live and objective data. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 Taking an objective look at your experience, knowledge, and skill set demands the use of all the available resources and support. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 28 May 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
  • These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.
    — James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Definition of purpose
Adjective
  • The empirical evidence, however, suggests otherwise.
    — Dave Wessner, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • And despite claims that providing unemployment insurance will encourage striking workers to stay out longer, both common sense and empirical evidence suggest otherwise.
    — Ed Hawthorne, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • Her expertise lies in building boards with the right balance of domain expertise and impartial oversight, ensuring alignment between governance and investor confidence.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • While Congress sets the CBO’s priorities, the group prides itself on being objective, impartial, and nonpartisan.
    — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Our assessment is grounded in a thorough analysis of Caterpillar’s existing valuation relative to its recent operational performance and historical financial state.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • To say how Sugar Hill’s Black residents fared in court would spoil the enjoyment of this suspenseful tale, which has put Lurie on a new path in writing historical fiction.
    — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Definition of historical
Noun
  • But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • Republican leaders have tied these reductions to broader budget goals, including $4.5 trillion in tax cuts championed by former President Donald Trump.
    — Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Definition of goal
Adjective
  • The result is a more agile, inclusive and resilient workforce where employees have equitable access to growth.
    — Abakar Saidov, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • These days — at least on Friday nights — the space offers musicians an equitable spotlight.
    — Erick Galindo, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • In turn, Bivins brought in another friend to execute the deadly plot, according to an FBI criminal complaint and the factual statement filed with his plea agreement.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
  • Have three response templates ready: factual correction for misinformation, values reaffirmation for criticism, and security protocol for threats.
    — Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of factual
Noun
  • The initial aim of the technology is to help patients with severe paralysis restore some independence.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 2 June 2025
  • Part of the aim of the acquisition is to expand those offerings around the globe.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 2 June 2025
Definition of aim

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objections
objective
objectiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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