MATRIARCHAL Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

matriarchal

adjective

Definition of matriarchal

as in female

Related Words

Relevance

as in patriarchal

Related Words

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 matriarchal 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 In the supporting role of the matriarchal cookhouse keeper Maria was Denyce Graves, the legendary mezzo-soprano opera star. — Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026 There is a strong matriarchal figure whose presence dictates the course of action. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 May 2026 This matriarchal practice defines Tunisia’s food culture. — Boutheina Ben Salem, Vogue, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for matriarchal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matriarchal

Adjective

In a country where men dominate positions of power in business and government, boozy business dinners are notorious for putting female employees in risky positions.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Serrano is not only defending her unified titles but also chasing a monumental 50th career victory, a feat unprecedented for any female boxer.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of female

Adjective

The paternal-line male succession was stipulated for the first time in the 1890 Imperial House Law, when Japan promoted patriarchal systems.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Across the globe, anti-gender campaigning is frequently tied to right-wing nationalism, white supremacy, and assertions of patriarchal power.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of patriarchal

Adjective

The colors are widely understood to respectively represent masculine and feminine genders, which are usually assigned at birth, as well as persons who are agender (genderless or gender neutral), intersex, or in gender transition.

— Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026
Instead, Brink and stylist Shiona Turini consistently blend masculine tailoring and feminine silhouettes to create looks worth emulating all autumn long.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of feminine

Adjective

Patterson invited the parents of her estranged husband and their two elderly friends to lunch in July 2024.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
He was slated to start community college in the fall and had spent the last several months working as a caregiver in an elderly living center.

— Laurie Perez, CBS News, 20 Aug. 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

Rezaei was named this month as part of senior appointments widely seen as hardening Tehran’s political and military stance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Rezaei was a senior commander during the war with Iraq in the 1980s — a foundational moment in the creation of the Islamic Republic.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of senior

Browse Nearby Words

matriarch

matriarchal

matriarchs

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Matriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarchal. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of matriarchal

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cogent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes