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
Edge’s technology seeks to enhance how fans experience tennis in-stadium or at home, aligning with a USTA Ventures’ objective. —Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025 The objectives of this war cannot be viewed in isolation. —Felice Friedson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Adjective
Given this definitional chaos, researchers have tried to create objective benchmarks to measure progress toward AGI, but these attempts have revealed their own set of problems. —ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025 Moderna set its objective high — achieve 100% adoption and proficiency of generative AI by all its people with access to digital solutions in a six-month period. —Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 30 June 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
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    — Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
  • Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Definition of purpose
Adjective
  • The result is a new breed of marketing initiatives that balance creative intuition with empirical validation, allowing executives to identify the precise line between boldness and recklessness.
    — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Though it was hypothesized to be a pest-resisting tactic, there was no empirical evidence proving this.
    — Jay Kakade June 30, New Atlas, 30 June 2025
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • Nearly seven in 10 Americans doubt that the Supreme Court is impartial when making decisions.
    — Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • The co-defendants argued that keeping the trial in Nelson County would impede their rights to a fair and impartial trial because the publicity and news coverage the case has received could lead to a prejudiced jury pool.
    — Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Kartal, who was born in 2001, was wearing a boxy outfit inspired by the nineties, one of her favorite historical periods.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
  • Nearly every episode of this podcast from the Washington Post is under 10 minutes, delivering a digestible overview of an obscure or long-forgotten historical episode.
    — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of historical
Noun
  • The club had allowed just two second-half goals at home all season before Ponce’s brace on Saturday.
    — Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • The goal is to combine AI’s precision with the human touch that makes influencer marketing truly effective.
    — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of goal
Adjective
  • The Global Fund is already working with countries, communities and partners to prepare for rapid, equitable rollout — supporting regulatory readiness, delivery infrastructure and community engagement.
    — Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Boise’s team has identified housing structures in the Lusk District, near Boise State, and is trying to find ways to create an equitable billing program for the geothermal system, according to Bre Brush, the mayor’s transportation adviser and a member of the team that worked on the proposal.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • But the Court of Appeals ruling said a hearing to present evidence is not always required before issuing a preliminary injunction and if there are no factual disputes.
    — Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
  • With 74 percent of respondents expressing uncertainty about at least one claim's veracity, the findings highlight the challenge facing voters where shared factual understanding appears increasingly fragmented.
    — Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Definition of factual
Noun
  • Work on the Camp Nou began in June 2023, with the aim of modernising the ground while increasing its capacity to 105,000, which would be the largest in European football.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • The aim of this strategy is to curb the technological and military advancements of the country.
    — Dmitrii Khasanov, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of aim

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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 18 Jul. 2025.

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