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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The film draws on the filmmaker’s experiences as a neurodivergent gay man navigating the contradictory demands of masculinity. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 July 2026 The crisis of masculinity in our culture isn’t rooted in a lab value. — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026 Tristan Tate has built a following by creating and promoting a similar take on modern masculinity. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 The brothers have built a large online following promoting their views on masculinity and wealth, while Andrew Tate has previously described himself as a misogynist. — Eric MacK , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for masculinity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masculinity
  1. maleness
  2. manhood
  3. manliness
  4. virility
  5. machismo
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
  • Parker is perpetually just on the verge of manhood — youthful, optimistic, with a somewhat innocent boyish sense of romance.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
  • Adam Stanaland, a psychology professor at the University of Richmond, told me that what’s concerning is when insecure men feel pressured to validate their manhood by harming others.
    — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Definition of manhood
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Not That Kind of Man Both parties are focused on machismo at the moment.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • 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
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 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on masculinity

Nglish: Translation of masculinity for Spanish Speakers

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