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

In microgravity, where objects appear to be weightless, fluids drift upward toward the head, which can cause swelling, nasal congestion and changes in pressure around the mouth and throat. — Sundeep Venkatesan, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 One 2022 study found that more than half of the patients who traveled abroad for discount cosmetic surgery ended up needing further treatment at home, such as wound care, removal of surgical objects and surgery revisions. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026

Verb

Brain imaging research has also indicated that experienced birders are more likely to demonstrate stronger activity in brain regions involved in visual processing, working memory and object identification. — The Conversation, Fortune, 27 July 2026 Congress has 90 days to review and, if desired, raise votes to object to the deal. — Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for object

Recent Examples of Synonyms for object

Noun

Veterinary experts share tips on how to care for the items that come into contact with our furry companions to promote good health and stave off odors.

— Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2026
Along with traditional options such as avocado toast, steak and eggs, and a breakfast burrito, more brunchy items, including chicken wings and a burger, are available.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of item

Noun

Baird said that major infrastructure projects generally involve significant collaboration with state-level entities.

— Ilana Arougheti July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Both entities will be overseen by independent boards that do not include Smith, who will remain chief executive emeritus.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Definition of entity

Noun

One of the purposes of Ameri’kana is to gather with other people, meet new neighbors and participate in the arts with others.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Our waiter, Juan, was – as all servers at Papi Steak are – quick to illuminate the kaleidoscopic dish with a pocket flashlight, apparently for documentary purposes.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of purpose

Verb

Mukhopadhyay said the minister’s resignation has made people less fearful of protesting against a government that critics have long accused of suppressing dissent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Students at Willa Cather Elementary School hold their fists up to protest school closures as thousands gather at Union Park before marching to Grant Park for the May Day march on May 1, 2025, in Chicago.

— Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of protest

Noun

Even despite all this, the task force observes that defensive arrays might be insufficient to stop rogue drone operators from succeeding in their goals.

— Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
After a shot by midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta was spilt by goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer, Hopkins finished the rebound in the fifth minute for the opening goal at CPKC Stadium.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of goal

Verb

Parents keep complaining to me that their kids are sedentary at school, even though humans need to keep moving throughout the day to be healthy.

— Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Aside from social media posts complaining about the war’s fallout and some grumbling from oligarchs about the Kremlin seizing their assets, there are still no signs of any widespread popular unrest against Vladimir Putin’s regime.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of complain

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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 5 Aug. 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

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Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

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How long is a jiffy?

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Games & Quizzes