as in onanistic
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 masturbatory
More than masturbatory daydreams, Vladimir inspires our heroine to write with abandon, ignoring professional and personal obligations in service to her muse.
—
Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Among the books being driven into the woods by pitchfork-wielding villagers this year: Louis C.K.’s masturbatory debut novel, Olivia Nuzzi’s delusional fortune cookie, Woody Allen’s autofictional kvetch-fest, and Kamala Harris’s 304-page excuse for ineptitude.
—Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025
Judging by trophy videos posted to Reddit, most users are training Ani to assist them in baroque masturbatory fantasies.
—Hari Kunzru, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
Bardo for being masturbatory and self-pitying, Empire of Light for being shallow and unfocused.
—Vulture, 24 Jan. 2023
Strickland, responding to a question from Tolley about the oddest thing he’d been asked to endorse, recalls being approached by the manufacturer of a masturbatory aid.
—Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2022
And this use was a selling point, not a secret, during an era of anti-masturbatory rhetoric.
—Kim Adams, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2020
Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Among the books being driven into the woods by pitchfork-wielding villagers this year: Louis C.K.’s masturbatory debut novel, Olivia Nuzzi’s delusional fortune cookie, Woody Allen’s autofictional kvetch-fest, and Kamala Harris’s 304-page excuse for ineptitude.
—Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025
Judging by trophy videos posted to Reddit, most users are training Ani to assist them in baroque masturbatory fantasies.
—Hari Kunzru, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
Bardo for being masturbatory and self-pitying, Empire of Light for being shallow and unfocused.
—Vulture, 24 Jan. 2023
Strickland, responding to a question from Tolley about the oddest thing he’d been asked to endorse, recalls being approached by the manufacturer of a masturbatory aid.
—Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2022
And this use was a selling point, not a secret, during an era of anti-masturbatory rhetoric.
—Kim Adams, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masturbatory
Adjective
-
Likewise, the intensely retrograde gender politics—and the text’s out-of-control, onanistic eroticism—seem fairly personal and specific.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
On the sensual afro-pop fusion, produced by Daramola, the artists sing about connecting and desiring each other, and even wanting to have each other’s baby.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
27 Mar. 2026
-
All across what is probably the best pop album of all time, Michael got sexy, sensual, and introspective in equal measures.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Foote records as Leech, runs the great Peak Oil label, and is general manager of the storied Kranky, while Dickow has amassed a vast catalog of brittle yet voluptuous electronic music as Strategy.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Pitchfork,
30 Mar. 2026
-
In the Wild Eyed Rose, the voluptuous tartness of the grenadine gets to arc across the whole palate, supported by the warm light malt of the Irish whiskey and given a malic kiss at the end by the lime juice.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Like other living things, plants existed in sentient and even sensuous relation to one another.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Then scoop up some of that soft, sensuous garlic and spread it over the char.—
Eric Wareheim,
Saveur,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Marty is self-absorbed, forgetful, doesn’t much like people and spends hours online looking for advice about how to be a handyman.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The choice to portray her as irritating, self-absorbed, whiny and inappropriate was no accident.—
Leigh Blickley,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Masturbatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masturbatory. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
