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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Players like Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan symbolized a new level of ambition, while goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller found success in top leagues.—
Clemente Lisi,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
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Duality is a key theme, with mismatched hands, mixed patterns, and contrasting designs symbolizing Gemini’s twin energy.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
21 May 2026
Verb
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The décor here shifts with the seasons, incorporating ambitious artistic floral arrangements or modern sculptural light installations, but the sense of discretion stays constant.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
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Malone made sure to incorporate a wide range of genres, from Brit pop to soul to indie rock.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
26 May 2026
Verb
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As Freeling prepares to test himself against Phillips and the Panthers’ other edge rushers, The Athletic takes a closer look at his skill set and analyzes three plays from his junior season that illustrate his athleticism and potential, along with his room for growth.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
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San Jose’s experience illustrates how housing projects stall when permitting systems and local processes remain misaligned with state housing reforms.—
Christina Mojica,
Oc Register,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Objectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objectify. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
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