MATRIARCHAL Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

matriarchal

adjective

Definition of matriarchal

as in female

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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 matriarchal Sinclaire has an agent for a memoir, and Gonzalez is thinking about writing a book about matriarchal communities. — Kayla Levy, Curbed, 25 June 2026 Navajo society was matrilineal and matriarchal, and women had already long been involved in work outside the home. — Lua Vollaard, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026 Bonobos also operate in a matriarchal society. — Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026 Despite that underlying tension, kids play on the street outside while the large family has a dynamic like any other — noisily squabbling, joking, or in the case of the matriarchal grandmother, Mariam (Hiam Abbass), preparing a meal in a kitchen plagued by constant utility outages. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for matriarchal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matriarchal

Adjective

The same can be said of the photos above featuring a female mariachi band.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
For the 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl—directed by and starring Laurence Olivier, with Monroe as the female lead and coproducer—the actor and her husband moved to England, where tensions rose.

— Annarita Briganti, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of female

Adjective

Gara lives in a deeply patriarchal culture, where violence by men can shatter the lives of women, yet as a matriarchal figure, Gara embodies qualities of Sinjajevina itself.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
The day before International Women’s Day, in 1982, twenty thousand women marched on the square, calling for practical reforms, such as workplace equality and free day care, along with an end to patriarchal oppression.

— Maurice Samuels, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of patriarchal

Adjective

The delicate piece incorporated feminine facets and nods to Osaka’s Japanese heritage.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
The maxi-length, slip-style dress features a V-neckline, fluid drape, and feminine cap sleeves, with autumnal shades like mocha brown, black, and soft sage to choose from.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of feminine

Adjective

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced the capture and extradition of a Southern California man Wednesday, more than two months after he was accused of beating an elderly woman with a bat and fleeing the state.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Mohamed Soliman, a 47-year-old Egyptian national, entered his plea on nine federal counts of hate crimes, including one resulting in an elderly woman’s death, and three counts of federal explosives charges.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of elderly

Adjective

After evading suspicion for years, in part because of her disarming, matronly demeanor, Puente was ultimately arrested.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 July 2026
After years of matronly tankinis, there are now some great plus-size swim pieces available on the market, including this scarlet snake-print one-piece from Nomads Swimwear.

— Sarah Chiwaya, Refinery29, 6 Apr. 2025

Definition of matronly

Adjective

With its elegant, womanly heel curving into a narrow point and its sensible perforated top designed to resemble a man's oxford dress shoe, the oxford pump is the shoe of a woman who stands between two worlds.

— Danielle Parker, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Marant launched her label and had her first show in 1994, quickly becoming a byword for a hip, womanly brand of boho chic.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Definition of womanly

Adjective

Kazmierczak had 60 assists and 4 blocks, senior Kendall Ezell had 23 digs, and sophomore Emerson Lalashuis had 17 kills.

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Senior defender Pauly Rzadkosz pointed out the loss will not diminish what the Vikings’ senior class was able to accomplish.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of senior

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“Matriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarchal. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of matriarchal

adjective

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