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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The slim veil symbolized the gulf that existed between Black and white in America.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
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That victory symbolized Moscow’s dominance over Western efforts in Africa and highlighted Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel, where anti-Western sentiment has been on the rise.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
Verb
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For a modest fee, Bradley created a new routine for Delroy, tailored to her abilities, incorporating the still trendy Charleston and other saucier moves popular in Black dance halls and night clubs in the mid-nineteen-twenties.—
Brian Seibert,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
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Talent can be seen everywhere, as some students have been able to incorporate back flips and other tricks to elevate their game.—
Marcella Baietto,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Another viral pro-Pratt ad, not produced by Pratt’s own campaign, best illustrates the perils of populist-right energy.—
Conor Friedersdorf,
The Atlantic,
12 May 2026
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Principles of Scientific Management’s success illustrates the utility, and the power, of the appearance of empiricism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Objectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objectify. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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