objection

objection — noun

1. a thought, feeling, or spoken comment showing that you do not agree with a plan,

1.nounB2
Definition

a thought, feeling, or spoken comment showing that you do not agree with a plan, idea, or action — or the reason behind that disagreement.

Example

Mei raised an objection to the new shift schedule during the staff meeting.

raise an objection to + noun

The neighbours have lodged a formal objection that the new factory will pollute the river.

objection that + clause

Common collocations
  • raise an objection
  • have no objection
  • voice an objection
  • lodge a formal objection
  • overrule an objection
  • main objection
  • strong objection
  • objection to the proposal
Synonyms
  • protest

    stronger and often more public; suggests organized or vocal resistance

  • complaint

    broader; focuses on dissatisfaction rather than reasoned disagreement

  • opposition

    uncountable and more general; describes ongoing resistance rather than a single comment

  • disagreement

    neutral and softer; implies a difference of view without strong emotion

Antonyms
  • approval

    expresses positive acceptance instead of resistance

  • agreement

    neutral consent rather than an objection

  • endorsement

    stronger active support, often public

Grammar Patterns

objection to + noun/-ing

objection that + clause

raise/have/voice an objection

Usage Note

Frequently followed by 'to' + noun or '-ing' form, and by a 'that-clause' when stating the reason. Common verbs are 'raise', 'have', 'voice', 'lodge', and 'overrule'.

Common Mistakes

I have an objection on the new rule.
I have an objection to the new rule.
the noun takes the preposition 'to', not 'on' or 'against'.
She objection the plan loudly.
She objected to the plan loudly.
'objection' is the noun; the verb form is 'object (to)'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe ways of pushing back against something, but they differ in tone and scope. An 'objection' is usually a single, reasoned comment given in a meeting, debate, or discussion — neutral in register and often paired with 'to' or a 'that-clause'. A 'protest' is louder and more public, suggesting organized action like marching or signing a petition; it implies stronger feeling. A 'complaint' centres on personal dissatisfaction (a noisy hotel, a rude clerk) rather than a reasoned argument, and the speaker hopes someone will fix the problem. 'Opposition' is the broadest and usually uncountable, naming a continuing stance against a person, plan, or party rather than one statement. So you might 'raise an objection' at a board meeting, 'join a protest' on the street, 'file a complaint' with customer service, and lead the 'opposition' to a new law.

objection ↗protest ↗complaint ↗opposition ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • main objection
  • formal objection
  • personal objection
  • principal objection
  • moral objection

Adverbs

Phrases

  • raise an objection
  • have no objection
  • voice an objection
  • lodge an objection
  • overrule an objection
  • withdraw an objection
  • meet with objections

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinLate LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word entered English in the late 14th century from Old French 'objeccion', which came from Late Latin 'obiectio'. That noun was built on the Latin verb 'obicere', meaning to throw or place something in front of someone — formed from 'ob-' (against, in the way) plus 'iacere' (to throw). The original image is of literally tossing an argument into another person's path, which still fits how we use 'objection' today: a statement set down in front of a plan to block its progress.