1
as in degenerate
having lost forcefulness, courage, or spirit
the soft, effete society that marked the final years of the Roman empire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
the outdoor adventure program takes effete youths and turns them into hardy campers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in weakened
lacking strength of will or character
the governor is too effete to take on the powerful special interests that really run this state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in feminine
of or relating to a man who has or displays qualities traditionally considered more suitable for women
wore a slightly more effete style of clothing in those days
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of effete
And there’s an intriguing romance between Nancy and Hamish (James Musgrave), a slightly effete soldier whose lack of commitment, and indeed libido, suggests her taste in men might not be as sharp as her wit.
—
Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 17 June 2025
In this view, other European immigrants were unsuitable for civilizing the frontier—Southern Europeans were effete and decadent while Eastern European Jews were hapless in the woods and better-suited to urban, commercial spaces.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2025
Jesus Christ’s preaching of love and kindness and forgiveness is seen as weak and effete.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025
This is bad enough, but then there’s the wide gulf of sensibility that separates Rock and Martin; the latter’s effete irony just doesn’t gel with Rock’s political trenchancy.
—Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effete
Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 17 June 2025
In this view, other European immigrants were unsuitable for civilizing the frontier—Southern Europeans were effete and decadent while Eastern European Jews were hapless in the woods and better-suited to urban, commercial spaces.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2025
Jesus Christ’s preaching of love and kindness and forgiveness is seen as weak and effete.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025
This is bad enough, but then there’s the wide gulf of sensibility that separates Rock and Martin; the latter’s effete irony just doesn’t gel with Rock’s political trenchancy.
—Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effete
Adjective
-
After delivery, the umbilical arteries constrict and degenerate.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
As her life begins overlapping with the events of the film, she’s confronted with her own degenerate desires, as the Nazis would call them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Still-high youth unemployment as well as weak social security systems further weigh on consumption.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
11 Dec. 2025
-
That would make the hierarchy and Slot look weak if the rift with Salah isn’t resolved before Saturday.—
Joe Prince-Wright,
NBC news,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The bacteria can be deadly in some cases, especially for people with weakened immune systems.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
-
After a heart attack or other cardiovascular insult, hearts can’t regenerate weakened muscles, leaving them less able to pump blood throughout the body.—
Elizabeth Cooney,
STAT,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
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The result was a sleek white ruffled top, when worn with matching trousers felt both modern and refreshing while another floral skirt embodied a playful feminine energy that personified warm weather dressing.—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Port is rich, fruity, and decadent.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
The experience concludes on a sweet note with decadent desserts like lava cake and vanilla crème brûlée.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Osa Odighizuwa won’t ever be confused for Garrett, but the 49ers are convinced their feeble pass rush will improve thanks to Odighizuwa’s interior work.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
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The Rock People were a feeble attempt to cash in on the shapeshifting craze, as Stonedar, Rokkon, and Granita (the latter never immortalized as an action figure) could turn themselves into… er, meteors.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
The silky-soft slippers are also infused with lavender to add a bit of aromatherapy to your relaxation, plus they’re outfitted in soft fabric.—
Jacquelyn McGilvray,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
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Use soft, outward sweeping or circular motions to blend until your face is evenly covered.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Republicans asserted that cowardly, effeminate liberals were weakening the nation’s defense by minimizing threats both home and abroad.—
Gregory A. Daddis,
The Conversation,
26 Nov. 2025
-
Phil initially teases Peter for being weak and effeminate.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Effete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effete. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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