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
Trevor as a father, for me, is a kind of parallel thread to Trevor’s relationship with Sam, in that this is a woman that he’s objectified.
—
Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 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
Typically, young boys aren’t objectified in the same way.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for objectify
Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 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
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
-
Sports Illustrated journalists were getting requests from peers looking to score invites to the gatherings, which symbolized a turnaround at the 72-year-old title.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The pagans believed eggs symbolized fertility and birth.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Mitchell said the Cavs’ offense has changed, a little, to incorporate Harden’s isolation dominance, but also said Harden has fit into their original schemes.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
McLeod also emphasized the urgency of incorporating and said that many people get the wrong message about what becoming a city means.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
City’s second goal, which in effect ended the game, illustrated both.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
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Through a blend of archival recordings and contemporary interviews, the series illustrates how the church became a sanctuary for its community, honoring both their faith and queerness while fostering joy and connection during a time of profound grief.—
Patrick Hipes,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Objectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objectify. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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