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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Artists affiliated with the Wide Awakes have adopted the original group’s open-eye iconography to symbolize the new wave of followers’ social awakening.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2026
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The diamond symbolizes strength, clarity, and enduring love.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nike had unveiled a radically new design for Breaking2, incorporating a curved carbon-fiber plate into a thick wedge of springy midsole foam, which external lab data suggested would make runners several percent faster.—
Alex Hutchinson,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
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There will be a view of the river from the commons and interior wall graphics will illustrate the theme of the design, which incorporates the concepts of earth, air, water and fire.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There will be a view of the river from the commons and interior wall graphics will illustrate the theme of the design, which incorporates the concepts of earth, air, water and fire.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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Consider these our contemporary cupcake commandments, illustrated by three new recipes that are, as Carrie would say, fabulous.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Objectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objectify. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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