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 At best, Hombre Al Agua is a passion project in which the Mexican star dishes out some thoughts on fatherhood, masculinity and moral purpose. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2026 By the ’70s and into the ’80s, filmmakers were again taking the heist seriously, often turning the form into procedural explorations of crime, professionalism, and masculinity. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 In prison, which is a hyper-masculine space, there was this subtle thinking about masculinity. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 Mariachi, tequila, and the florid masculinity of charrería, Mexico's national equestrian sport, all originated in Jalisco, the state for which Guadalajara serves as capital. — Michael Snyder, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 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

Magazines and newspapers have spent much of the past few years filling column inches with concerns about the manhood of young Americans.

— T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026
In a rural lobster fishing village, Bucks Harbor explores manhood, community and survival in a harsh and beautiful world.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 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

Experts believe the statue may have symbolized masculinity, virility, strength, and courage.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
The transition from farms, the open range, and artisanal workshops to offices and large, impersonal, factories was seen as sapping virility—just as our tiny cubicles and remote workstations are said to do today.

— Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of virility

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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 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of masculinity

noun

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