objection

noun

ob·​jec·​tion əb-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce objection (audio)
plural objections
Synonyms of objectionnext
1
: an act of objecting
2
a
: a reason or argument presented in opposition
b
: a feeling or expression of disapproval
c
: a statement of opposition to an aspect of a judicial or other legal proceeding
file an objection to a proposed bankruptcy plan

Synonyms

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Examples of objection in a Sentence

My main objection is that some people will have to pay more than others. He said he had no objection to the plan.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Schumer has received backlash since helping to avert a government shutdown by aiding the Republicans in passing their stopgap spending plan over the objection of the majority of his fellow Democratic Senators and House Democrats. — Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 23 Mar. 2025 Home demolished During winter break at the University of Idaho, a demolition began of the home where the murders took place, over the objections of some of the victims' family members. — Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025 The bill passed over the objections of some neighborhood groups who fear less stringent enforcement. — Nate Rau, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025 The move comes despite objections from advocates for the state’s hemp industry, who say the legislation threatens the viability of thousands of small businesses in the Lone Star State. — A.j. Herrington, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for objection

Word History

Etymology

Middle English objeccioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin objectiōn-, objectiō, from Latin obicere, objicere "to throw in the way, put forward, cite as a ground for disapproval or criticism" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at object entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of objection was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing objection

Rhymes for objection

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Browse Nearby Words

objectify
objection
objectionability
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Cite this Entry

“Objection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/objection. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

objection

noun
ob·​jec·​tion əb-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce objection (audio)
1
: an act of objecting
2
: a reason for or a feeling of disapproval
my objection is this
had objections to the plan

Legal Definition

objection

noun
ob·​jec·​tion
1
: an act or instance of objecting
specifically : a statement of opposition to an aspect of a judicial or other legal proceeding
file an objection to a proposed bankruptcy plan
2
: a reason or argument forming the ground of an objection

Note: Objections at trial are generally made for the purpose of opposing the admission of improper evidence. Such an objection must be made in a timely manner. Objections prevent the jury from seeing or hearing the evidence and preserve the issue for appeal. Objections may also be made on the ground of the opposing counsel's improper methods (as leading a witness) or for other technical reasons.

More from Merriam-Webster on objection

Nglish: Translation of objection for Spanish Speakers

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