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 That early scene, at first, seems typical of two young male friends asserting their masculinity in a juvenile manner. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 This whole administration is sort of a parody of, like, a women’s-studies class on masculinity. Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026 Scott Galloway, a marketing professor at New York University who has written about modern masculinity, has been among the most vocal proponents of the idea that drinking plays a crucial social role in American society. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026 These days, traditional definitions of masculinity are in tension with the need for a more expansive understanding of how to be a man in the world. Outside Online, 21 Jan. 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
Noun
  • When his older brother pressed him further and alluded to the fact that the lyrics are presumably referencing the NFL tight end's manhood, Travis feigned innocence.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
  • No one questions Rob’s manhood, and Rob himself is undeniably comfortably in his skin; even his pratfalls are laced with a wiry athleticism.
    John Glynn, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Suck it up, and embrace the steely, Vader-esque manliness of this Ultra-Tough cooler from RTIC.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 10 Dec. 2025
  • Today’s Republican Party is big on manliness and masculine virtues.
    Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 20 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • For all his talk about strength, his approach leans more toward virality than virility with social media as his primary accelerant.
    Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Contrasting rumors of Hitler’s virility could have actually been very welcome, and such were never confirmed nor denied.
    Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • By tearing off his shirt in machismo-riddled jubilation, Johnson had delivered unto Chicago a feast — or, at least, roughly 2,000 free hot dogs.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025
  • Other rappers relied on machismo and grimier art when you guys first came out, but De La chose these kaleidoscopic colors and unique designs.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masculinity. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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