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

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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

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
Because so much of Janelle and Lisa’s work is about pattern recognition, visual twinning and parallels in objects and language, stretching the experience across two buildings naturally builds in space to process these various connections. —Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025 This fall’s exhibition at the University of Minnesota’s art museum asks us to consider the rug — a functional object, a decorative object, an artistic object, a form of storytelling and cultural preservation. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
The two allies agreed on the deal in July but Japanese officials discovered days later the preliminary deal had added 15% on existing rates and objected. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 But Durbin this week put up yet another roadblock by objecting to a procedural step that would allow those picks to sail through the confirmation process. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 5 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
  • Two million dollars of the funds used to protect Okefenokee came from the Holdfast Collective, a group of nonprofit entities that since 2022 has donated the profits generated by Patagonia to nonprofit groups fighting climate change.
    — David Gelles, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Overnight, customers discovered that their formerly frisky bots had turned frigid, some morphing into befuddled entities who seemed to be suffering from brain injuries.
    — Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 8 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
  • When Peru's congress suddenly upgraded Santa Rosa's status from village to town, giving it a larger government presence, Colombia President Gustavo Petro flew to Leticia to protest.
    — John Otis, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
  • London — Large crowds of people protesting the British government’s decision to ban the activist group Palestine Action gathered in London’s Parliament Square on Saturday, in a show of continuing support since it was designated as a terror organization in July.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of protest
Noun
  • Nevertheless, the Phillies and Marlins teams were aware that few things are as exciting for a young fan as getting a home run ball.
    — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This homey boutique is a one-stop shop for all things Durango.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • The decor channels the style and substance of the Victorian era, but all of the amenities have been brought into the 21st century, complimentary breakfast included.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Beyond a point, Latif’s many attempts to create mood and atmosphere through movement end up with little subtext to draw from, and play like flourishes with no substance.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 6 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
  • On a StudBudz stream, Courtney Williams complained about having to share space at the team’s practice area, particularly when players and other attendees of the recreation center need to shower.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Roman complains about pain in his feet, and Dennis offers him a foot massage.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 5 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 14 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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