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

This can include kitchen knives and other sharp objects, tools in a garage or a host of other potential weapons that can easily be grabbed when emotions run high. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 The Microduck can walk, sit, crouch, pick up small objects, and recover from falls on its own. — New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

Wendell and Tanya Berry filed a lawsuit in 2020 that objected to its removal from the school. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 The conflict is hardly the first involving a living celebrity objecting to a fictional depiction. — Los Angeles Times, 31 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

Since September 2025, 18 law enforcement entities, including county sheriffs offices and city police agencies, have requested money for about 440 license plate readers through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement’s grant program.

— Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Years spent reviewing the financial controls of government entities as an external auditor, followed by service on boards and audit committees across several industries, taught a lesson that has outlasted every subsequent role.

— Amer Al Ahbabi, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of entity

Noun

University of St Andrews primatologist Catherine Hobaiter and Dartmouth College anthropologist Nathaniel Jay Dominy think these two things – fire and human speech – may be fundamentally linked.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Despite the slower pace of things pre-internet, all 250,000 tickets had gone within nine hours.

— Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 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

Noun

But that doesn’t mean eating before working out is always better overall, as meal timing can affect each body differently depending on one's goals.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
One of the first focuses under the new corporate structure will be addressing cancer drug affordability, Shah said, with a goal of accelerating the adoption of lower-cost biosimilars, which are clinically equivalent drugs akin to generic drugs.

— Ian Thomas, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of goal

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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of object

noun

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Synonyms of object

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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