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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The Trust's investment objective is to reflect the performance of the value of bitcoin as represented by the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate – New York Variant, less the Trust's liabilities and expenses. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025 From an operational perspective, the primary objective in a situation like this is to ensure that all flights already in the air can safely complete their journey, either by landing at an alternate airport or returning to their departure airport. —Guglielmo Lulli, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Taxpayers have funded hundreds of millions of dollars to pay for the cost of reducing recidivism and rehabilitation of offenders who have successfully participated in a federal program with objective measures of risk and public safety. —Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 That emotional reaction prevents objective analysis and slows your growth. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 17 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
  • Gemini Shuhua Xiong Mercury Retrograde Ends in Pisces on April 7: Rewrite the narrative around purpose.
    — Colin Bedell, Them., 3 Apr. 2025
  • The remote Norwegian territories, both in the Arctic Ocean, are often mentioned together because of their geographical proximity and the fact that they are collectively designated by the International Organization for Standardization (for statistical purposes).
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Adjective
  • In such moments, Howie’s technique is empirical and precise, a verbal cinematography of acute agitation.
    — Joshua Dubler, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
  • While there are no national statistics tracking the nationalities of workers in the industry, our empirical studies and ongoing field research indicate that most of today’s workers are from Mexico and Guatemala.
    — Kathleen Sexsmith, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • Check impartial sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Consumer FInancial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to ensure that the feedback given to your potential debt settlement company is legitimate.
    — Víctor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Both roles involve significant fiduciary obligations, including managing property prudently, avoiding conflicts of interest, making impartial decisions among beneficiaries, and adhering to the terms and intentions of the governing legal documents.
    — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Edward Horn, Delray Beach Henry Ford and Elon Musk The recent vandalism nationwide of Tesla vehicles as a protest of Elon Musk raises a historical question: Was vandalism of Ford cars and trucks ever directed against Ford?
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The following chart, which depicts the historical growth of the broad U.S. stock market, includes the five worst bear markets since 1928, including the Great Depression, a period during which stocks plummeted by 83%.
    — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of historical
Noun
  • Providence 2, Kankakee 0 Providence (7-0): Lydia Arrigoni goal.
    — Josh Krockey, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The goal, encouraged by the Boise Police Department, was to reinforce the message that gang activity wasn’t welcome, Gilbert said in an interview.
    — Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of goal
Adjective
  • What Doctors Can Do to Address the Inequities Healthcare providers can support patients of color by addressing their own implicit biases, working to help patients navigate equitable access to treatments, and using culturally sensitive communication, says Hurtado-Lorenzo.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • When equipped with innovative technology and supported by local health facilities, Village Health Workers play an indispensable role in meeting the primary care needs of their communities and advancing equitable care for children living with NCDs in Zimbabwe.
    — Cynthia Tully, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • But the most glaring factual error is the below, which says the Houthis killed three Americans last January.
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
  • However, some of the most nefarious uses are increasingly in healthcare, where accurate, factual information and trust are critically important to good outcomes.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of factual
Noun
  • The aim to maximally make paperclips would be referred to as an end goal or terminal goal.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • That’s Toyota’s stance, and the Crown is one of several models the automaker offers that follow what has been proven a prescient aim.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of aim

Browse Nearby Words

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 13 Apr. 2025.

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