What does "object" mean?
A thing that has physical existence but is not alive.
Object
/ˈɒb.d͡ʒɛkt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A thing that has physical existence but is not alive.
- Grammar: object is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: target, academic dissent case, acquisition, affair.
- Useful contrasts: main academic subject, percipient, the subject.
- Usage evidence: I don't mean to object to your proposal.
How to use "object"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "object" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "object" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "object" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "object" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "object" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "target" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "object", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A thing that has physical existence but is not alive.
- 2 a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow wordnet
- 3 Objective; goal, end or purpose of something.
"Money is an Object to you? Money is an Object to me."
- 4 the focus of cognitions or feelings wordnet
- 5 The noun phrase which is an internal complement of a verb phrase or a prepositional phrase. In a verb phrase with a transitive action verb, it is typically the receiver of the action.
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable) wordnet
- 7 A person or thing toward which an emotion is directed.
"Mary Jane had been the object of Peter's affection for years."
- 8 (computing) a discrete item that provides a description of virtually anything known to a computer wordnet
- 9 A person or thing toward which an emotion is directed.; A cause for attention or concern.
"Money is no object to him."
- 10 (grammar) a constituent that is acted upon wordnet
- 11 An instantiation of a class or structure.
- 12 An instance of one of the two kinds of entities that form a category, the other kind being the arrows (also called morphisms).
"Similarly, there is a category whose objects are groups and whose arrows are the homomorphisms from one group to another."
- 13 Sight; show; appearance; aspect. obsolete
"c. 1610s, George Chapman, Batrachomyomachia He, advancing close / Up to the lake, past all the rest, arose / In glorious object."
Verb
- 1 To disagree with or oppose something or someone; (especially in a Court of Law) to raise an objection. intransitive
"I object to the proposal to build a new airport terminal."
- 2 express or raise an objection or protest or criticism or express dissent wordnet
- 3 To offer in opposition as a criminal charge or by way of accusation or reproach; to adduce as an objection or adverse reason. obsolete, transitive
"We thanke you both, yet one but flatters vs, As well appeareth by the cauſe you come, Namely, to appeale each other of high treaſon. Cooſin of Hereford, what doſt thou obiect Againſt the Duke of Norfolke, Thomas Mowbray?"
- 4 be averse to or express disapproval of wordnet
- 5 To set before or against; to bring into opposition; to oppose. obsolete, transitive
"early 17th century, Edward Fairfax, Godfrey of Bulloigne: or The recovery of Jerusalem. Of less account some knight thereto object, / Whose loss so great and harmful can not prove."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I don't mean to object to your proposal."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "object"?
Common synonyms include: target, academic dissent case, acquisition, affair, agree to disagree, aim.
How do you use "object" in a sentence?
I don't mean to object to your proposal.
How do you pronounce "object"?
Pronounced /ˈɒb.d͡ʒɛkt/.
Etymology
From Old French object, from Medieval Latin obiectum (“object”, literally “thrown against”), from obiectus, perfect passive participle of obiciō (“I throw against”), from ob- (“against”) + iaciō (“I throw”), as a calque of Ancient Greek ἀντικείμενον (antikeímenon). Doublet of objectum and objet.