macho 1 of 2

noun

Definition of machonext
as in masculinity
the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men their annual guys-only hunting trip is a celebration of macho

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

macho

2 of 2

adjective

as in hypermasculine

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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 macho
Noun
In the 20th century, macho came to mean an exaggerated or even somewhat aggressive kind of masculinity, often with humorous undertones. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 And the ultra macho (and sometimes clueless) Rick Ford is having none of this. — Mike Ryan, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
While the two keep drinking and wait for a rare lunar event, old grievances, outrageous escapades, and macho rivalries explode to the surface. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 June 2026 The filmmaker is an expert in macho two-handers, having written Training Day and The Fast and the Furious, as well as directing End of Watch. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for macho
Recent Examples of Synonyms for macho
  1. masculinity
  2. hypermasculine
  3. manly
  4. masculine
  5. virile
  6. male
Noun
  • The film draws on the filmmaker’s experiences as a neurodivergent gay man navigating the contradictory demands of masculinity.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 July 2026
  • The crisis of masculinity in our culture isn’t rooted in a lab value.
    — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026
Definition of masculinity
Adjective
  • The pressures to look a certain way — hypermasculine, muscular and stylish, for example, among certain subsets of gay men, can be just as harsh and punishing.
    — Stephanie Fairyington, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Cowboy hats, jeans, a lot of alcohol and bull riding combine into a special mix of hypermasculine rituals at Mexican rodeo shows.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of hypermasculine
Adjective
  • In a world that had long equated labor with the physical act of making things, such a shift was seen as not terribly manly, and potentially dangerous to society as a whole.
    — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
  • Odysseus, manly and strong, is catnip to all kinds of scheming women.
    — Jim Beckerman, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of manly
Adjective
  • Tate runs online courses ostensibly meant to promote masculine values, but a BBC investigation previously found the programs teach men to groom women.
    — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Yet prescribing testosterone to bring a cisgender man’s body in line with the Pentagon’s masculine ideals is hormone therapy, too.
    — Adam Stanaland, The Conversation, 20 July 2026
Definition of masculine
Adjective
  • Jimmy is immediately struck by this younger, virile, needier man when Vincent asks him to help move a piece of furniture in.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
  • After a faculty party one night, Martha invites the college’s virile new biology professor, Nick, and his vapid wife, Honey, over for a wee-hours drink.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of virile
Adjective
  • And Bobby also suggested an appetizer featuring his favorite cut of male raccoon roadkill.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • While the prerequisite Miami bachelor party antics — party buses, yacht parties, and accidentally stealing 30 kilos of cocaine from a cartel boss — all occur, the film tries to root itself in some real pathos about the nature of male friendships.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Definition of male

Browse Nearby Words

machismo
macho
mack daddies
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Cite this Entry

“Macho.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/macho. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on macho

Nglish: Translation of macho for Spanish Speakers

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