epicene

adjective

ˈe-pə-ˌsēn How to pronounce epicene (audio)
Definition of epicenenext
as in feminine
of or relating to a man who has or displays qualities traditionally considered more suitable for women an ancient statue of a young man of graceful, epicene beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of epicene For many men — and many women — these figures remain far more admirable than the epicene children of liberal imagination. — Samuel Goldman, The Week, 3 Nov. 2021 His name is Strat, and he is played with beguiling epicene virility and lungs of steel by the willowy Andrew Polec. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epicene
  1. feminine
  2. effeminate
  3. unmanly
Adjective
  • The polo top denotes a sense of put-togetherness, with any sense of stuffiness softened when styled with feminine skirts or toughened up with denim and leather.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 July 2026
  • While the others feel functional and sporty, this style’s slim silhouette and thin straps give them a slightly more feminine feel.
    — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 11 July 2026
Definition of feminine
Adjective
  • The term kothi applies to a broad category of people assigned male at birth who are effeminate to varying degrees and might engage in same-sex relationships, but do not live in separate communities.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
  • One of the earliest of American masculinity influencers was President Theodore Roosevelt, who touted his own transformation from a timid, effeminate man – local presses mocked him in his early career – to a rugged outdoorsman.
    — Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of effeminate
Adjective
  • Why beef culture and agriculture matter in Texas Some of Talarico's critics seemed to be ripping on his manhood, referencing his support for the LGBTQ+ community, along with the purportedly unmanly notion of having, at one time, eschewed meat.
    — Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • Clever rather than athletic; also unmanly.
    — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Definition of unmanly

Browse Nearby Words

epic
epicene
epicenter
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Cite this Entry

“Epicene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epicene. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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