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
Appropriation of surplus labor, objectified in commodities, drove the system.
—
Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 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
Women were both empowered and objectified, deemed capable of being in charge but still overtly sexualized.
—Thessaly La Force, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
And there's a character who could be seen as being objectified, but nothing overt.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for objectify
Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 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
Women were both empowered and objectified, deemed capable of being in charge but still overtly sexualized.
—Thessaly La Force, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
And there's a character who could be seen as being objectified, but nothing overt.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for objectify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for objectify
Verb
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Horses have always symbolized movement, independence and forward momentum — a stark contrast to the slower, more strategic energy of last year’s Snake.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
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This kind of intensity and swagger is fitting for a bird that symbolizes both danger and optimism, as well as survival.—
Jannelle Moore,
Mercury News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The album's eclectic throwback sound pays tribute to the singer's Boricua roots, incorporating traditional genres such as Plena, salsa and jibaro into his signature Latin urbano style.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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The show incorporates Latin jazz, house music, club culture and club dance forms.—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tulsky discusses Native Americans, Quindaro, meatpacking plants, Carrie Nation and events throughout the 20th century — all to illustrate how corruption not only developed but thrived in Kansas City, Kansas.—
Dan Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
17 Feb. 2026
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Berrios said Rinaldi taught her to go from drawing and illustrating comic books to objects, people and landscapes.—
Janice Neumann,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Objectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objectify. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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