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

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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
For the best viewing, avoid areas with bright lights and objects that could obscure your view of the sky, such as tall trees or buildings. —Gina Park, CNN Money, 29 July 2025 In November 2024, singer Zach Bryan stopped a show in Washington after someone in the audience tossed an object toward him. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Verb
This global imbalance is what factions of the Trump Administration have now objected to, as evidenced by the work of Stephen Miran, the chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, and in the tea leaves of the initial Liberation Day tariffs. —Mary Childs, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025 On the flip side, Iran deeply objected to European support for Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. —Garret Martin, The Conversation, 15 July 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
  • Consumers should always ask for the current price before ordering a MKT item, said Thomas.
    — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • The items are now with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for identification, the post says.
    — Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Definition of item
Noun
  • The public response to the Bum Blockade Though some entities, such as the Los Angeles Times and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, supported the Bum Blockade, others questioned the initiative’s constitutionality.
    — Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
  • To reason effectively, an AI must grasp the scenario, including relevant entities, relationships, goals and restrictions.
    — Rohan Pinto, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of entity
Noun
  • Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
  • As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.
    — Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Ukrainians protest against a new bill curtailing anti-corruption agencies on July 23, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    — Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • More: Activists steal wax figure of Emmanuel Macron to protest trade with Russia The Macrons said the lies included that Brigitte Macron, 72, was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, the actual name of her older brother.
    — Jonathan Stempel, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Definition of protest
Noun
  • Arizona's dynamic food and dining scene was recently in the national spotlight when Food Network released a list of the best things to eat in the state as part of their United Plates of America series.
    — Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • Baseball Prospectus: Dropping three straight games to the Blue Jays is one thing; three straight to the Pirates is a whole other cause for worry.
    — Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Research is underway to develop concentrated versions of this substance from chia seed oil.1 In addition to the moisturizing properties of chia seed oil, studies suggest that the chia seeds' ability to retain moisture can also be harnessed for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes.2 2.
    — Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
  • These substances have already been banned by several U.S. states and the European Union.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 July 2025
Definition of substance
Noun
  • The Argentine forward has 12 goals and seven assists in league play this season, his best return in three seasons in purple.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
  • This is a rebirth of identity, self-image, and personal goals.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • A number of Tesla shareholders, including some Democrats who oversee the investment of public sector pension fund money in Tesla stock, complained in May to Tesla Board Chair Robyn Denholm that Musk’s other activities are hurting the company.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Essentially, the legislation does away with a process that some have complained can be time-consuming and expensive—at least in some cases.
    — Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 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 2 Aug. 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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