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 Velvet Underground’s John Cale represents music, Marc Jacobs stands for fashion and beloved director Martin Scorsese symbolizes film.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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There are so many homages to Sơn Tùng M-TP’s country, including the jade water buffalo, Vietnam’s national animal, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Treatments incorporate local ingredients like coconut, and the signature Sea of Life massage uses organic marine botanicals to enhance relaxation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Customers will be able to increase the accuracy of the reasoning model by incorporating their own data.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
Verb
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To critics, Harden's comments illustrated how economic incentives can outweigh public commitments to free expression when China is involved.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
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The raise for Surtain also illustrates the options the Broncos had in mind while building up considerable cap space entering the summer.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Objectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objectify. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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