patriarchal

adjective

pa·​tri·​ar·​chal ˌpā-trē-ˈär-kəl How to pronounce patriarchal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a patriarch or patriarchy
a patriarchal culture
a patriarchal religion

Examples of patriarchal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Crown and dignity Catalina Ruiz Navarro, a Colombian feminist activist and journalist based in Mexico City, argued that the nature of beauty pageants like Miss Universe places women in a patriarchal position. Anabella González, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025 Resendez, a social media editor with two children who is out of a long-term relationship, says that Allen’s record has arrived at a time when women are reclaiming their autonomy, chipping away at patriarchal norms, and publicly holding men accountable for their misdeeds. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025 All’s Fair begins with an introduction to beleaguered lawyers Allura Grant (Kardashian) and Liberty Ronson (Naomi Watts), who’ve suffered for years at a patriarchal, misogynist firm that treats them like second-class citizens. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025 The narrator’s father was a Bulgarian creature of his decidedly patriarchal time. James Wood, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for patriarchal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriarchal was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Patriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchal. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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