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 The controversial rise of Andrew Tate, a promoter of toxic masculinity across social media platforms, will be the subject of an upcoming Investigation Discovery docuseries. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026 Manosphere vibes Some of the most popular creators – Rogan, Von, Carlson and Gillis – appeal to, or helped construct, the manosphere, a loose collection of online communities that promote masculinity and often reflect misogynistic attitudes. — Karrin Vasby Anderson, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026 As the race for the Senate seat in Texas enters its final week, the Republican attacks on the looks and masculinity of Democratic candidate James Talarico continue. — John Ficarra, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026 Aside from his work on screen, the Londoner is an accomplished poet whose work explores themes of masculinity, love, grief and connection. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for masculinity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for masculinity

Noun

Public speech was a—if not the—defining attribute of maleness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
The men handling their maleness was interesting.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025

Definition of maleness

Noun

Lee ingratiates himself by pretending to be interested in becoming a CO himself — attracted to the manliness and the glamor.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
While concerns regarding testosterone levels are new, anxiety about manliness is ancient, often rising with a society’s material comfort.

— Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026

Definition of manliness

Noun

Smallwood attacks Nick’s virility, saying he’ll be publicly humiliated when his wife has to bail him out again in court.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
The frozen velocity of paint whipped across a canvas suggested a new visual metaphor for intensity, aggression, violence, virility, force, energy, music, and ecstasy, a more efficient representation than any previous word or picture had managed.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of virility

Noun

Though his stage presence could easily veer into a machismo-heavy persona, Robles sets himself apart in comedy by being the opposite.

— Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Yet in a land where machismo still reigns, it’s considered a rather severe insult.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of machismo

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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 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of masculinity

noun

Example Sentences

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