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

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
These more modern firearms became not only practical tools of war, crime or self-defense but symbolic objects in their own right. —Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025 Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Others objected to his support for openly gay conservatives or his unwillingness to fully endorse white identity politics. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 Sep. 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
  • The Labubu blind boxes, which hide the exact content of the package until the customer opens it, sometimes revealing an especially rare item in a series, will be made available for purchase through the website's Pop Now feature.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The phrases were used across a range of merchandise like a Tiger Blood energy drink, a biographical comic book and other items, per the outlet.
    — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of item
Noun
  • In 2024, private and public entities invested nearly $2 billion in quantum startups worldwide, a 50% increase over 2023.
    — Gil Press, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Musk sued Altman and OpenAI last year for breach of contract and has since tried to thwart the company's effort to restructure into a for-profit entity.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of entity
Noun
  • The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In a 2004 study, the United States Institute of Peace said that hundreds of terrorist groups had migrated online, utilizing a tool meant for better communication for often nefarious purposes.
    — Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation protested the FIG’s decision, withdrawing all seven Ukrainian athletes from the competition.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • As many as 150,000 people marched through London Saturday to protest against immigration and in support of freedom of speech.
    — Claire Cameron, semafor.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of protest
Noun
  • And your decisions affect other things.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Our main quibbles were with the fans—fan buzz and a lack of more fan filtration are two things to contend with—but experienced PC builders will find workarounds.
    — Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • The rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the CSA would recognize the medical use of the substance, reducing federal restrictions on research and medical applications.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Unlike ordinary glues, this substance works in wet, salty, and constantly moving conditions, forming a tough bond that resists both pressure and erosion.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of substance
Noun
  • Create a list of 20-30 companies aligned with your career goals.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • China’s already reached its goal of getting 300 million people involved.
    — Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • Gil complained that the mound was slick, and the grounds crew came out to work on it in between innings.
    — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Although the underlings complained about my methods, the cartel leaders, like Pedro and his boss, El Viejo, a key deputy of Pablo Escobar, were on my side.
    — Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 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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