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
Communicate how the new system will address their pain points, improve workflows and contribute to individual, local and/or broader business objectives. —Kerry Brown, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 The company has limited financial resources and may face intense competition from other entities with similar business objectives, including SPACs and venture capital firms. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Kim measures loudness via a descriptive scale, shifting the seemingly objective audiogram from an individualizing register into a personal one. —Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025 But by any objective measure, Gavi’s results have been extraordinary not only in terms of the projection of soft U.S. power, but also in terms of the preservation of the vital security interests of America and our allies. —Seth Berkley, Time, 27 Mar. 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
  • The name’s ironic on purpose—the app allows users to create, send, and receive anonymous voice messages in a celebrity’s tone.
    — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Each edge of this triangle-esque tool serves a unique purpose: a smooth, long side for sweeping over wider areas like calves, arms, and thighs; a precision tip for targeted acupressure; and a ridged edge for digging into tense tissue.
    — Allure, Allure, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Adjective
  • Economists rarely find consensus—but the empirical evidence against sweeping tariffs is nearly unanimous.
    — Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Some of Trump’s critics used sketchy arguments and weak empirical evidence to accuse Facebook and other social media services of having allowed Russian propagandists to manipulate Americans into voting for a leader with authoritarian predilections.
    — Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • My administration has acted swiftly and decisively to restore fair, equal and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • My administration has acted swiftly and decisively to restore fair, equal, and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law, starting at the FBI and the DOJ.
    — TIME Staff, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Season 3 of Mayfair Witches, starring Alexandra Daddario, will dive deeper into the mythology of witchcraft, introduce new ‘spellbound’ families and feature some of the historical happenings of Salem, the infamous town of witch trials and folklore.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Blending personal archives, historical documents and contemporary footage, the film reconstructs the life of one family within the cycle of destruction and restoration in her hometown, Mariupol.
    — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of historical
Noun
  • The goal was to have that running by March.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The draft and the latter part of free agency can collectively serve as an avenue to meet most, if not all, of those goals.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of goal
Adjective
  • The Culture community aimed at creating equitable business pathways for Black and Brown professionals.
    — Brianne Garrett, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Like his Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, who spearheaded trade reform, Roosevelt understood that tariffs were a tax on poor and working Americans and regarded the use of the progressive income tax as a much more equitable—and economically advantageous—means of raising revenue.
    — Time, Time, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • Felonious Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes has launched another appeal of her conviction and sentence, claiming that a three-judge panel that shot down her first appeal in February was confused on one point, illogical on another, and made factual mistakes in hearing her case.
    — Mercury News, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
  • By coordinating the release of factual messaging to friendly media institutions across both digital and traditional communication channels, messaging can reach stakeholders quickly and clearly.
    — Jeffrey Bartel, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of factual
Noun
  • Analysts say the aims of the crackdown on tech firms and entrepreneurs appear to include breaking up monopolies, limiting income inequality, strengthening national security, and reminding the executives who is boss.
    — Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Phishing is a type of attack where an adversary sends a link or attachment over email or SMS, with the aim of tempting you to open it and download malware or give out your sign ins.
    — Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 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 19 Apr. 2025.

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