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
  • Ramírez translated the dance into rigorous black silhouettes, tailoring, restraint and the tension between masculine and feminine.
    — Michelle Edgar, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Inspired by Parton’s iconic flashy feminine style, Musgraves wore a formfitting hot-pink sparkly dress with feather trimming, silver hoop earrings, and purple eye shadow.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of feminine
Adjective
  • The next big issue for me was that Axl shimmied from side to side with an unusual snakelike move that struck me as effeminate and lame.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of effeminate
Adjective
  • The elastic insult is meant to belittle the target as inauthentic, attention-hungry, unserious, and unmanly.
    — Erik Forrest Jackson, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
  • For Marius’ friend, police chief Silviu (Alex Conovaru), such solicitude is weak and unmanly.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 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 6 Oct. 2026.

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