MATRIARCHAL Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

matriarchal

adjective

Definition of matriarchal

as in female

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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 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

The four female students were identified and disciplined, according to officials at San Marcos High School and the Santa Barbara Unified School District, who did not release the students’ names or detail the discipline.

— Terry Castleman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
By September, Michelle had returned to the campaign to support her stepson, asking her network of female supporters to help elect him.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of female

Adjective

The use of pseudonyms by female writers born in the nineteenth century is typically understood as a feminist loophole around the patriarchal suppression of women’s writing.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
They are constrained by their circumstances and trapped in a circle created for them by a patriarchal, restrictive society.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of patriarchal

Adjective

Ramírez translated the dance into rigorous black silhouettes, tailoring, restraint and the tension between masculine and feminine.

— Michelle Edgar, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Inspired by Parton’s iconic flashy feminine style, Musgraves wore a formfitting hot-pink sparkly dress with feather trimming, silver hoop earrings, and purple eye shadow.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of feminine

Adjective

Their chaotic path eventually brings them to a wealthy elderly woman who is blind.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
But on that Sunday in 2024, Wagner spoke to a nearly empty church — about 12 elderly members, sitting far apart from one another in a sanctuary built for a thousand people.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 1 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

Programming director Ichiyama Shozo leads the selection alongside senior programmer Ishizaka Kenji, who oversees Asian Future.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
Gordon Noble, the paper’s senior author and an archeologist at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, says that the evidence of craftworking is particularly exciting.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of senior

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“Matriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarchal. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of matriarchal

adjective

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