OBJECT Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

object 1 of 2

noun

ˈäb-jikt

Definition of object

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

Relevance

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

nonentity

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

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

Plus, any objects in our line of sight that are hidden behind dense clouds of interstellar dust or gas can only be seen via their infrared emissions. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2026 However, some strikes are not direct and bounce off another object before hitting an individual. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

Verb

Jackson suggested that may have given council members reason to hesitate before cutting a tool the county sheriff’s office had come to rely on, even as residents packed meetings to object. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 Jessica Libby-Roberts, an assistant professor and exoplanet scientist at the University of Tampa, points to Pluto's unusual orbit, small size, and similarities to other Kuiper Belt objects as reasons the dwarf-planet classification makes sense. — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for object

Recent Examples of Synonyms for object

Noun

Transporting these items is repetitive and physically demanding work that can take nurses and other employees away from clinical responsibilities.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of item

Noun

Anthropic wanted assurance that its technology would not be used for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, and the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Thankfully, his reappearance in the show actually has a deeper purpose.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of purpose

Verb

The drivers pushing the Iranian people into the streets to protest have only gotten worse since January — with political, economic and social forces all deteriorating.

— Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Weeks before the war, Iranians took to the streets to protest rising costs and inflation.

— Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of protest

Noun

Underneath the friendly little pixel clock, though, the presence of an ESP32 makes things interesting, and Ulanzi has done something rather unusual.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
The cult member says some predictably culty things about how Thom doesn’t need his father or his friends for guidance.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of thing

Noun

This risk is increased markedly when buprenorphine is combined with other substances that depress the central nervous system, particularly alcohol, benzodiazepines, and certain sedating medications.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Some undergo cosmetic procedures and reportedly inject their bodies with peptides, testosterone, and other substances that enhance their physiques.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of substance

Verb

The sport is now on TV every night of the week these days—and unlike some traditionalists, football-loving families aren’t complaining.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
Undermining an alliance Coupang is not the first American company to complain of targeting by South Korean regulators.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of complain

Browse Nearby Words

obituary

object

objected

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Object.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/object. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of object

noun

verb

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Synonyms of object

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to object

8 Grammar Terms You Used to Know, But...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on object

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Word of the Day

conscientious

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Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

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