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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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
Fast Growth, Concrete Results Early momentum translated into ambitious objectives. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 Waterproof with 8x magnification and 42mm objectives, ideal for amateur astronomers after wide-field views of star clusters, double stars and lunar vista. —Paul Brett, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Paramount’s move may only add to questions about CBS News’ ability to remain objective. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 The authors also relied on a lifestyle questionnaire that was self-reported, so more objective research is needed. —Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • In line, a large meta-analysis shows little empirical or conceptual difference between EQ and impression management.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Such empirical human suffering cannot be denied.
    — Sahar Mustafah August 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • For a longer journey, Johnson is impartial to his Osprey Aether pack for its airscape back panels, floating lids, and signature Fit on the Fly adjustments.
    — Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Our department is committed to a thorough and impartial review.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Backdropped against empty space, absent any signifying detail or decoration, Mockrin’s once historical figures and details exist only in the here and now.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Many of these local gems are cozy relics that house unique pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia, hold a coveted aesthetic or have historical significance.
    — Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of historical
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
Adjective
  • Civil rights leaders criticized the federal government at the time for failing to prioritize equitable access in communities of color.
    — Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • These include helping your family, helping your group, demonstrating reciprocity, demonstrating bravery, respecting a hierarchy and your superiors, dividing resources in an equitable way and respecting ownership of property.
    — Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • Johnson, a San Francisco Chronicle reporter who covered the fire, served as a consultant on the film to ensure factual accuracy.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Second, add a short factual reason that highlights value—not your worth as a person.
    — Joyce Marter, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of factual
Noun
  • The aim shifts from corporate adoption to personal leverage.
    — Curt Steinhorst, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Talarico was already taking political aim at potential November opponents.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2025.

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