MASCULINITY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

masculinity

noun

ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē

Definition of masculinity

as in maleness

the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity

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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 masculinity To understand why men might have adopted a clothing system that prioritized plainness and conformity over color and change, this book investigates the gradual crystallization of this civic uniform of masculinity. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 The juxtaposition of the apex masculinity of the professional athlete with traditionally feminine signifiers of the luxury handbag does seem to short circuit something in the wider culture. — Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 The collection explored masculinity through romance and vulnerability. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 June 2026 Detailing the tumultuous life of Black, gay Chiron (played in ascending ages by Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes, all astonishing) in three parts, Moonlight examines the complex intersections of Blackness, masculinity, and queerness with heartwrenching nuance. — Rachel Simon, Vulture, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for masculinity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for masculinity

Noun

The men handling their maleness was interesting.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Fact is Bruce Springsteen has forever been a man of the people, a man in search of his own definition of his maleness and his humanity.

— Kevin Powell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Definition of maleness

Noun

Pls take manhood seriously, approach it with care, responsibility, character, dignity, humility and make room for laughter.

— Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Many figures within evangelicalism have promoted an aggressive, domineering, even abusive view of manhood—affixing to it, as Du Mez argues, the label biblical.

— Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

Definition of manhood

Noun

The intoxicating pull of the manosphere – the hyper-online community led by men who tout misogynistic definitions of manliness – has given Glass a boisterous brigade of rivals.

— Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
The fashion for bushy beards, and beards’ association with authentic manliness, has followed this same trajectory from irony to earnestness during its various resurgences since the early 19th century.

— Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026

Definition of manliness

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masculine

masculinity

mash

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“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masculinity. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of masculinity

noun

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