effeminacy

noun

Definition of effeminacynext
as in femaleness

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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 effeminacy This horror at effeminacy echoes across Baldwin’s novels and essays. — Garth Greenwell, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 The researchers theorized this could be in part because of greater stigma toward effeminacy in boys than masculinity in girls. — Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 4 Oct. 2023 Other historians point to the color being linked to effeminacy. — Aj Willingham, CNN, 25 June 2023 Lace, too, was a marker not of effeminacy but of affluence and taste. — Piczo, The New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2021 As the nation seeks to make children tougher and young boys more masculine, gaming companies must avoid effeminacy and strictly regulate celebrity endorsement. — Yue Wang, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2021 In both cases, the disapproval has always betrayed fears of effeminacy. — Washington Post, 7 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effeminacy
  1. girlishness
  2. femininity
Noun
  • Olivia Rodrigo’s girlishness is her superpower.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 12 June 2026
  • Montalvo Peña’s audition gets across in just a few minutes Aje’s distinctive blend of perk, pluck and pastel-pink girlishness spiked with a generous dollop of disassociated delusionality.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Definition of girlishness
Noun
  • From the return of the skirt and expressive femininity to bold color, craftsmanship and embellishment, there is a sense of freedom and possibility that feels fresh for the season.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Pair your brown skirt with a top in neutral shades to help bring out the soft femininity of the hue.
    — Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of femininity

Browse Nearby Words

effectuating
effeminacy
effeminate
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Cite this Entry

“Effeminacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effeminacy. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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