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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On Monday morning, Pope Leo XIV presented him with a special vestment to symbolize his role as a shepherd to millions of Catholics.
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One design change symbolizing this connection between what has come before and what lies ahead is the redesign of an iconic KVIFF space.
Verb
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Injury recovery workouts often incorporate ankle weights to slowly rebuild strength.
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The aircraft’s fuel system and hydraulics also incorporate components from F-16 and F-18 fighter jets.
Verb
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The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed.
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The design and materials of devices such as bone saws, fleams and scarifacators – used to bleed veins and skin surfaces – illustrate the close affinity of humans with other animals.
Cite this Entry
“Objectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objectify. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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