masculinity

noun

ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce masculinity (audio)
Definition of masculinitynext
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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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 masculinity This can fuel a return to regressive ideals of masculinity and virility. — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 6 July 2026 The sessions went so well that Morali asked Willis to front the group, which adopted campy archetypes of masculinity — cop, cowboy and construction worker among them — in their stage costumes. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 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 All this was built on a self-deprecating stand-up persona that made hay of middle-aged masculinity. — Alison Herman, Variety, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for masculinity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masculinity
  1. maleness
  2. manhood
  3. manliness
  4. virility
  5. machismo
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
  • Danny has an entire party so that the guys can mourn the loss of his manhood.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 July 2026
  • Pls take manhood seriously, approach it with care, responsibility, character, dignity, humility and make room for laughter.
    — Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 29 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
Noun
  • The Emmy nomination comes after the series’ 10th season, which took off in ratings and virility following a much-talked about relationship scandal.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
  • This can fuel a return to regressive ideals of masculinity and virility.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of virility
Noun
  • In a country built on perpetual grind (westward expansion, the machismo of the highway), the motorcycle distills that promise to its essence.
    — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
  • One common pitch centers on machismo.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 21 June 2026
Definition of machismo

Browse Nearby Words

masculine
masculinity
mash
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Cite this Entry

“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masculinity. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on masculinity

Nglish: Translation of masculinity for Spanish Speakers

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