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patriarchal

adjective

pa·​tri·​ar·​chal ˌpā-trē-ˈär-kəl How to pronounce patriarchal (audio)
Synonyms of patriarchalnext
: 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.
An apocalyptic impulse to destroy the federal bureaucracy and reestablish patriarchal, Christian supremacy has been blamed for fueling the rise of the MAGA movement. Linda Kinstler, The Atlantic, 1 Dec. 2025 Rather than a story of being rescued (and therein disciplined) by adults and the call of adulthood, Peter’s eternal childhood functions instead as a fantasy of his own colonial and patriarchal domination over Neverland. Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025 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 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 9 Dec. 2025.

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