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
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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
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
Adjective
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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
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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
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Phil initially teases Peter for being weak and effeminate.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Clever rather than athletic; also unmanly.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Epicene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epicene. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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