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 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 In the supporting role of the matriarchal cookhouse keeper Maria was Denyce Graves, the legendary mezzo-soprano opera star. — Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for matriarchal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matriarchal

Adjective

Each female cone is borne in an upright position and is commonly violet-blue before maturing to brown.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
DeMellier’s founder, Mireia Llusia-Lindh, tapped the residential architect Nicolas Schuybroek to create a space that felt like a stylish home with vintage furniture, photography and architecture books and original work by female artists.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of female

Adjective

Nacer is quite good at variations of patriarchal obliviousness, and Pebdani suffuses her women with streaks of guilt.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
One protester attended the demonstration dressed as a character from The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian television series about women in a patriarchal society.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of patriarchal

Adjective

Designers like Chloé and Bottega Veneta have used the earthy color as a way to contrast sexy silhouettes or ground feminine pieces.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
Hadid immediately set the tone for not only the feminine prowess that would fill the stage but the ethereal beauty, too.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of feminine

Adjective

An elderly pedestrian was killed after he was struck by two vehicles on Interstate 80 early Thursday morning, authorities said.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Disney actor Erik von Detten is being sued for allegedly scamming an elderly couple in a bizarre precious-metals scheme.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 21 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

Somebody like Gilroy or Jeff Kober and Barry Corbin (popping up occasionally as a pair of geriatric gangsters) will come and go in situations knowingly designed to feel contrived.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Ossoff, seen as a potential 2028 contender, said geriatric politicians have little comprehension of AI technology.

— Jill Colvin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of geriatric

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

Autonomous attacks powered by AI agents are becoming more common, Jessica Ji, a senior research analyst at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) told Fortune.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
The approach is starting to resonate across Hawai’i’s tourism industry, says Jhana Young, sustainable seafood senior manager with Conservation International Hawai’i.

— Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of senior

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“Matriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarchal. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of matriarchal

adjective

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