MACHO Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

macho 1 of 2

noun

Definition of macho

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

macho

2 of 2

adjective

as in hypermasculine

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Dissimilar Words

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

Both the Smiths and mariachi music can drive even the most macho Mexican man to tears with their poetic lyrics and layered instrumentals. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 Not that Georgian masculinity, with its macho, bellicose posturing and archaic codes of honor, is portrayed as anything other than fumbling and futile. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for macho

Recent Examples of Synonyms for macho

Noun

Featuring collaborations with Lana Del Rey and Turnpike Troubadours, the new EP finds the country artist exploring everything from technology to masculinity.

— Kyle Denis, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026
From men wearing pink to push back against the pressures of toxic masculinity to women pushing back against unrealistic body standards, pink has become a color of defiant empathy.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of masculinity

Adjective

Many of Mifune's films cast him in hypermasculine roles, though Mifune’s performances were often layered.

— Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
The Tate brothers, who openly describe themselves as misogynists, built a global following by promoting a lavish, hypermasculine lifestyle through their social media empire.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hypermasculine

Adjective

If my partner’s former view of mattresses was distinctly masculine in origin, perhaps mine is uniquely feminine.

— Jaklin Romine Oct. 15, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Will every student have to get a doctor’s signature, or just masculine girls and feminine boys?

— The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of masculine

Adjective

This switching of places is especially true of Islam seen as an alien but also more virile force than Western liberalism, one whose power thus needs to be countered by its own weapons of solidarity and domination.

— Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of virile

Adjective

Krantz said the suspect, a male city resident who has not yet been publicly identified, was spotted entering the school by a community member, who eventually pursued him into the school and shot him.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Across the 9,000 teens surveyed, 43 percent were female and 56 percent were male.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026