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
Eklöf‘s answer was to objectify him instead.
—
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 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
Typically, young boys aren’t objectified in the same way.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for objectify
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 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
Typically, young boys aren’t objectified in the same way.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for objectify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objectify
Verb
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Clapper illuminated the installation with lightning bolts to symbolize speed, protection and pride, and included a perforated skin mapping nearby streets.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
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For decades, the phrase has symbolized the mythos of the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency — and drawn criticism for glossing over parts of its history tied to racial violence and segregation.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Further changes see Hendrik McDermott expand his remit leading Europe, Middle East and Africa Networks & DTC and reality streamer Hayu, which reaches its tenth anniversary this month, – to incorporate all international DTC operations as Managing Director, International DTC & EMEA, Canada.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2026
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The ground-floor space will serve both hot and cold tasting menus, along with a la carte items that incorporate seasonal North Carolina ingredients.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Whyte’s other songwriting contribution to the album, by contrast, illustrates all that can go wrong with solo Morrissey.—
Ben Cardew,
Pitchfork,
10 Mar. 2026
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As my diagnostic experience illustrates, many of us are told that memory changes are normal aging and that pushing for answers is unnecessary.—
Shon Lowe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Objectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objectify. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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