as in masculinity
the set of qualities traditionally considered appropriate for or characteristic of men
studio executives wondered if the actor possessed the manliness expected in an action hero
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of manliness
One of the most famous of the walkers was Edward Payton Weston, whose many ultra-walks touted a mix of sensationalism, spectacle, manliness, and health.
—
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
Some believe that this practice ensures boys remain heterosexual and promotes manliness.
—Essence, 22 Mar. 2025
This revelation reframes much of the earlier novel, from his paranoia to his discomfort in stiff formal clothing to his father’s obsession with manliness.
—Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024
But there are challenges for shifting diets toward less beef, from misinformation about soy and protein, to social stigmas connecting beef-eating with manliness.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 15 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for manliness
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
Some believe that this practice ensures boys remain heterosexual and promotes manliness.
—Essence, 22 Mar. 2025
This revelation reframes much of the earlier novel, from his paranoia to his discomfort in stiff formal clothing to his father’s obsession with manliness.
—Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024
But there are challenges for shifting diets toward less beef, from misinformation about soy and protein, to social stigmas connecting beef-eating with manliness.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 15 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for manliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manliness
masculinity
Noun
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His character, Raj, presented a new model of masculinity that wasn’t the angry young man of the previous generation.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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It is described as a sophisticated mystery set at an East Coast boarding school that explores privilege, scandal, sexuality and masculinity amid the rise of social media, millennial anxiety and pharmaceuticals.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Manliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manliness. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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