as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament he made the manful decision to stick by his friends when everyone else had abandoned them

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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 manful Intermittent fasting was of a piece with an interest in manful self-improvement via stoicism. Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2024 Camping with a rogue dynamiter, Siringo stuck elk horns into two neighboring peaks and claimed to have named the mountains in honor of their manful bond. Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023 The other deputies smiled, ready to toast the capital with manful drafts of vodka. Alex Halberstadt, Town & Country, 9 Oct. 2015 The other deputies smiled, ready to toast the capital with manful drafts of vodka. Alex Halberstadt, Town & Country, 9 Oct. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manful
Adjective
  • When senior Celina Frenz wasn’t dancing through defenders to create pressure, Kocher’s ability to find Meisner darting in from the left wing was the codebreaker against a valiant effort from Timnath.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 20 May 2025
  • Panthers in an 0-2 hole in the series Despite a valiant effort once again in the third — putting up 37 shot attempts and 15 scoring chances (including 10 high-danger chances) — the Panthers fell 4-3 to the Maple Leafs and are now 0-2 in the best-of-7 series.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • In her courageous testimony, Ventura described the myriad means by which Combs achieved and maintained power and control over her during their decade-long relationship.
    Elizabeth Geddes, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025
  • While there are many other ways to foster courageous leadership, these three are evergreen.
    Quang X. Pham, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Naturally, the truth does eventually come out at the reception, but Samantha still puts on a brave face for her friends.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 30 May 2025
  • Tielemans has mastered the balance, being brave in wanting the ball whatever the situation or stadium while never willingly giving ground to an opponent.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Kimmel pushes back, referring to the heroic pilot, Sully Sullenberger, who inspired a Rehearsal episode this season.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 May 2025
  • For a complete accounting of the heroic actions of the 24 recipients, please search for President Obama’s Valor 24 Medal of Honor ceremony remarks on the Army website.
    Richard J. Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Each year, Scouts, Scouters, veterans and other community groups from all over the Bay Area gather in tribute to these gallant men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.
    Karl Mondon, Mercury News, 25 May 2025
  • Curiosity is an optimistic treasure hunt—a gallant search that occurs without proof or guarantee.
    Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • His passionate commitment to Christianity led to a compassionate attention to his fellow human beings, as well as a fearless urge to correct wrongdoing.
    Time, Time, 27 May 2025
  • Known for her nuanced performances and fearless role choices, Krieps will share insights into her artistic journey, the challenges of portraying complex characters, and her approach to storytelling across diverse cinematic landscapes.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manful. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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