OBJECTIVE Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

objective 1 of 2

noun

Definition of objective next

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the summer camp's stated objective is to produce tournament-level tennis players

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

objective

2 of 2

adjective

əb-ˈjek-tiv

as in empirical

based on observation or experience an objective assessment based solely upon the results of the experiment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

By ensuring there are routine opportunities to evaluate an individual’s rehabilitation, the objectives of incarceration are more likely to be achieved. —

Eddie Deleon, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2025 Discount retailer Ross Stores has popped almost 8% in the last 12 months, but analyst Lorraine Hutchinson’s $180 price objective corresponds to an additional rally of more than 20%. —

Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Courts and attorneys expect these reports to be comprehensive and objective. —

Philip Caldwell, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2025 Our coverage is independent and objective, and has not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these entities. —

Paul Rubio, AFAR Media, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for objective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for objective

Noun

Cicero, including the Police Department, does not provide facilities for federal immigration agents for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws. Cicero, including the Police Department, does not maintain or record information about residents’ citizenship, immigration or residency status.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
While the crew endured the challenges of confinement for the sake of science, their work embodies a larger purpose: enabling future explorers to journey farther and stay longer.

— Anastasia Stepanova, Space.com, 2 Feb. 2025