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 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 government’s achievement caps a political transformation that has moved the Italian leader from outsider to establishment figure since becoming Italy’s first female prime minister in 2022.

— Silvia Stellacci, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
The chance to honor her legacy made for a poignant coincidence for an evening devoted to female power, and a reminder that, however much has changed since Steinem first began shaking things up, there is still plenty to do.

— Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of female

Adjective

In a sign of their lasting impact, Iranian director Mohsen Gharaei arrives in Venice this year with Falling House, a prophetic work warning of the crisis building in Iran after decades of oppressive, patriarchal rule by the Islamic Republic regime.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
In her 1974 novel The Hearing Trumpet, a nonagenarian vegetarian heroine named Marian rebels against patriarchal institutions.

— Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of patriarchal

Adjective

Through serial repetition, role-play, and the oscillation between masculine and feminine visual codes, Stötzer stages gender as something performed rather than possessed.

— Elisa R. Linn, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Along with a brief moment of tenderness Sara experiences with her class’s resident dork, this feminine camaraderie makes for a nugget of niceness in a sea of despair.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of feminine

Adjective

Two weeks earlier, gangs attacked Fort Dimanche in Cité Soleil, where several elderly residents who were unable to flee their homes were killed.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
He was also accused of defrauding an elderly patient out of $35,000, according to initial reports.

— Owen Carry, USA Today, 3 Sep. 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

The former England youth and then 10-time senior Ghana international is still only 25 and has over 100 games of Premier League experience with Chelsea and Brighton.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The company officially opened the new Austin Innovation Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Silicon Labs senior leaders and employees, as well as representatives from the State of Texas.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of senior

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

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Synonyms of matriarchal

adjective

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