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

One of the most common treatments for female pattern hair loss is minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
Spears became the first female artist to have her first three studio albums debut atop the Billboard 200 chart when Britney hit number one.

— Tim Chan, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of female

Adjective

That’s not to make excuses, but to put in context, what is also a sputtering, screwball-y film about masculine roles in a waning patriarchal society.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
When the standoffish and patriarchal Ho-seok refuses to be interviewed, his wife Mi-ok (Jeon Do-yeon) opens up to her, and Ye-ji starts making her movie anyway.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of patriarchal

Adjective

Her debut as women’s creative director coincided with the Armani Privé couture show in January, in a sign of continuity, while evolving the late designer’s style with her own feminine touch.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
This fall, New York museums are mounting an intriguing mix of shows that speak to notions of girlhood, nostalgia, and feminine self-expression across time, cultures, and creative disciplines.

— Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of feminine

Adjective

Shown from above, the camera steadily encroaching like the angel of death itself, is an elderly woman in a hospital bed.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026
Wilver Blanco, 42, was shot in 2024 after police responded to a report of man seen chasing an elderly man around with a knife, possibly while under the influence of drugs.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 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

Ziad Asghar, Qualcomm’s senior vice president of wearables, believes AI use is likely to be experienced through a myriad of devices.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
In other cases, two senior anti-Balaka leaders were convicted in July 2025 on multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of matriarchal

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

confabulate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 25

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes