Object — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb adjective /ˈäb-jikt/ (noun) /əb-ˈjekt/ (verb) ob·ject

Meaning & Definition of Object

Object (noun)

  1. something material that may be perceived by the senses
  2. something that when viewed stirs a particular emotion
  3. something mental or physical toward which thought, feeling, or action is directed

Object (verb)

  1. to put forth in opposition or as an objection
  2. to oppose something firmly and usually with words or arguments
  3. to feel distaste for something

Object (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or being object code

Object (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something material that can be perceived by the senses

    "I kept tripping over countless little objects scattered about the darkened room"

    similar: thing
    related: article, item, piece, being, entity, substance, commodity, good, ware, dingus, doohickey, thingamabob, thingamajig, thingummy, whatchamacallit, whatnot, accessory, accompaniment, bauble, curio, gaud, gewgaw, knickknack, novelty, ornamental, spangle, token, trinket

  2. 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"

    similar: being, commodity, entity, existent, individual, individuality, integer, reality, something, substance, thing
    related: body, subject, material, matter, quantity, stuff
    near: nonentity

  3. something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

    "the object of this course is to teach you algebra"

    similar: aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, goal, idea, ideal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, thing, name of the game
    related: grail, holy grail, plot, project, scheme, desire, hope, mind, wish, nirvana, destination, terminus
    near: means, method, way

Object (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to present an opposing opinion or argument

    "they objected to the conductor's insistence that their train tickets were not valid"

    similar: demur, except, expostulate, kick, protest, remonstrate (with), take exception, take issue
    related: cavil, quibble, challenge, dare, defy, fight, conflict, debate, dispute, hassle, quarrel, squabble, wrangle, beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, keen, maunder (chiefly British), moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge (British), yammer, yawp, yowl, balk, gag, stick, censure, criticize, denounce, disobey, rebel, withstand, demonstrate
    near: approve, sanction, accept, accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, adhere, comply, conform, follow, mind, obey, observe, advocate, champion, defend, maintain, support, sustain, uphold, applaud, cheer, commend

Related Entry: Object (to) (verb)

Object (to) is a different word from Object. The synonyms below are for object (to), not for object.

  1. as in reject, disrelish

    similar: disrelish, pooh-pooh, reject, reprehend, reprobate, scorn, deprecate, disapprove (of), discountenance, disesteem, disfavor, dislike, frown (on or upon), mislike, reprove, tsk-tsk, tut (over or about), tut-tut (over or about), censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, discommend, chide, rebuke, reproach, scold
    opposite: approve, favor, like, endorse, sanction, support, adore, delight (in), dig, enjoy, fancy, groove (on), love, relish, revel (in)

  2. as in protest, quarrel (with)

    similar: protest, quarrel (with), beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder (chiefly British), moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge (British), yammer, yawp, yowl, cavil, quibble, fret, stew, worry, blubber, cry, sob, bemoan, bewail, deplore, lament
    opposite: crow, delight, rejoice, accept, bear, countenance, endure, take, tolerate, applaud, cheer, commend

Related Entry: Found object (noun)

Found object is a different word from Object. The synonyms below are for found object, not for object.

  1. as in objet trouvé

    similar: objet trouvé, curio, curiosity, exotic, objet d'art, oddity, oddment, rarity, curiosa, ephemera, virtu, marvel, prodigy, rara avis, rare bird, wonder, abnormality, anomaly, freak, monster, monstrosity, malformation, mutant, mutation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Object

The most common words with a similar meaning to Object:

thing, being, commodity, entity, existent, individual, individuality, integer, reality, something, substance, aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, goal, idea, ideal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, name of the game, demur, except, expostulate, kick, protest, remonstrate (with), take exception, take issue

Related Words for Object

article, item, piece, good, ware, dingus, doohickey, thingamabob, thingamajig, thingummy, whatchamacallit, whatnot, accessory, accompaniment, bauble, curio, gaud, gewgaw, knickknack, novelty, ornamental, spangle, token, trinket, body, subject, material, matter, quantity, stuff

Near Antonyms of Object

nonentity, means, method, way, approve, sanction, accept, accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, adhere, comply, conform, follow, mind, obey, observe, advocate, champion, defend, maintain, support, sustain, uphold, applaud, cheer, commend

Word Forms of Object

Inflections: objected, objecting, objects

Derived words: objectless (adjective), objectlessness (noun), objector (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Object

Middle English object, objecte "something presented to the senses, purpose, objection," borrowed from Latin objectum "something presented to the senses, charge, accusation" (Medieval Latin also, "something presented to the mind, goal, aim"), noun derivative from neuter of objectus, past participle of obicere, objicere "to throw in the way, place against, put forward, present (to the eyes, mind, etc.), cite as a ground for disapproval," from ob- "against, in the way" + jacere "to throw, cast" ob-, jet:3

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Object

Words & Phrases Containing Object

object ball, object code, object language, object lesson, object-oriented, object-oriented programming, object of desire

Frequently Asked Questions about Object

What does "Object" mean?

"Object" means something material that may be perceived by the senses. As an a noun, a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: something material that may be perceived by the senses. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Object"?

Other words for "Object" include thing, being, commodity, entity, existent, individual, individuality and integer. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Object" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Object"?

There are 140 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Object". Common alternatives include thing, being, commodity, entity, existent, individual, individuality, integer, reality and something.

How do you use "Object" in a sentence?

Examples of "Object" in a sentence: "I kept tripping over countless little objects scattered about the darkened room"; "trying to determine whether communication with the dead is an object for study, a hoax, or a figment of the imagination"; "the object of this course is to teach you algebra".

Is "Object" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Object" can be used as a noun, a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Object" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Object" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Object"?

"Object" is pronounced /ˈäb-jikt/ as a noun and /əb-ˈjekt/ as a verb and divided into syllables as ob·ject.

What is the origin of the word "Object"?

"Object" comes from Middle English object, objecte "something presented to the senses, purpose, objection," borrowed from Latin objectum "something presented to the senses, charge, accusation" (Medieval Latin also, "something presented to the mind, goal, aim"), noun derivative from neuter of objectus, past participle of obicere, objicere "to throw in the way, place against, put forward, present (to the eyes, mind, etc.), cite as a ground for disapproval," from ob- "against, in the way" + jacere "to throw, cast" ob-, jet:3. First known use: 14th century.