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

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
According to this idea, although these objects may look like supersize red stars, their shine is powered not by standard stellar thermonuclear fusion but rather by the relentless funneling of burning-hot plasma into the insatiable maw of a snowballing black hole. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026 Take time now to fasten or shelter loose objects in a safe location prior to the onset of high winds. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Veterans objected to the 8-foot-by-8-foot units as unsuitable. —Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Critics of Israel have objected to its participation in the Olympics and other events. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026 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
  • Using its multi-camera vision system, the robot identifies laundry items, determines their orientation and shape, and executes folding motions learned during training.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Load your top rack with cups, mugs, glasses, stemware, plastic items, large utensils, and small bowls and plates.
    — Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of item
Noun
  • But as a wise man once said, profit is the price of admission to the future (except for entities with the power to tax).
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Calling out corporate entities and concentration of power as enemies also appears to be a winning strategy for Democrats in their messaging tactics.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of entity
Noun
  • Nevertheless, laid low by cancer and the claim battle, Karen Powers continued on in the job that had provided her with a lifelong sense of meaning and purpose.
    — J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • SpaceX plans to use its Starship system for the task — the largest spacecraft and rocket system ever built, and the vehicle that Musk says is purpose-made for taking people to Mars.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Several students protested the club in December, claiming the program’s outside influence violates a section of the Equal Access Act prohibiting people outside a school from directing conduct, controlling or regularly attending student groups.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • More than 100 Martindale Brightwood residents showed up to the Thursday mid-afternoon hearing to protest the development going up in their backyard.
    — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of protest
Noun
  • For this Alaskan, the start of summer means one thing—time to plan a winter visit.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Consider introducing yourself to a neighbor, because your optimism is ideally positioned to start things off on the right foot.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • The report claimed that long-term exposure to the substance can damage the liver and kidneys.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
  • She is also ordered to enroll in an animal cruelty prevention and education course and an impulse control program and undergo mental health and substance use evaluations.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of substance
Noun
  • If your goal is to get at the truth, or at least our closest approximation of it at the present time, the way to do that is to be scrupulous and forthright about the strengths and weaknesses of every link in your chain of argument.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The goal of any action, however, remains something of a mystery.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of goal
Verb
  • The building was in the neighborhood of Bab Tabbaneh, one of the poorest areas in Lebanon’s second-largest city, where residents have long complained of government neglect and shoddy infrastructure.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Other conservatives have also complained about Bad Bunny performing in Spanish.
    — Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of complain

Browse Nearby Words

obituary
object
objected
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on object

Nglish: Translation of object for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about object

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All