as in to symbolize
disapproving
to treat (someone) as an object rather than as a person
She says beauty pageants objectify women.
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Recent Examples of objectify
Whether beauty pageants — events that, almost by definition, objectify women — should have any role in today’s world is a matter of debate.
—
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025
We were objectified by most of our producers.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Despite Martel’s intentions, the video was widely viewed as sexist and misogynistic, with many seeing the women as being objectified by the three male artists.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 19 Sep. 2025
In metaphysics, disease is understood to be fears and false beliefs objectified physically.
—Evan Mehlenbacher, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for objectify
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025
We were objectified by most of our producers.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Despite Martel’s intentions, the video was widely viewed as sexist and misogynistic, with many seeing the women as being objectified by the three male artists.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 19 Sep. 2025
In metaphysics, disease is understood to be fears and false beliefs objectified physically.
—Evan Mehlenbacher, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for objectify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objectify
Verb
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Players like Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan symbolized a new level of ambition, while goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller found success in top leagues.—
Clemente Lisi,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
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Duality is a key theme, with mismatched hands, mixed patterns, and contrasting designs symbolizing Gemini’s twin energy.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
21 May 2026
Verb
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For casual mariners like me, an increasing number of small ships are now incorporating sails both for ambiance and fuel efficiency.—
Jane Woolridge,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
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Lyrics and visual elements from that album and others are incorporated into T-shirts, hats and other pieces.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Sometimes the decision is obvious, necessitated by the availability of gravitational slingshots from planets, as illustrated by the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 missions.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
19 May 2026
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First, a dating story that illustrates this dynamic.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Objectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objectify. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
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