PATRIARCHAL Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

patriarchal

adjective

Definition of patriarchal

as in clerical

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

as in older

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 patriarchal Even theologically conservative women have left such churches because of the patriarchal mindset that defines women in relation to male authority. — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 Her character, June — called Offred to reflect her subservient role — was our entry point into the totalitarian world of Gilead, a patriarchal society in which handmaids are forced to bear the children of the elite. — Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026 Unlike contemporaries such as Nirvana, a punk band that wanted to shred the patriarchal rock hegemony of the ’80s, and Pearl Jam, which functioned as an exorcism for the soul night in and night out, Corgan never hid his rock star ambitions. — David Harris, SPIN, 2 June 2026 The debut novel from this English professor and pioneering feminist follows Mira, a suburban homemaker who chafes against patriarchal society, divorces her husband, enrolls in graduate school, and becomes an outspoken advocate for women’s rights. — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for patriarchal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patriarchal

Adjective

Support for the clerical leadership is paper thin, analysts say, and the new Supreme Leader, Khamenei's son Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen in any new image since being wounded in the strike that killed his father.

— Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Until then, the new law provides for the superintendent to have several deputies and a skeleton clerical staff.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of clerical

Adjective

During the siege, he got used to doing everything from birthing babies to setting broken bones and caring for geriatric patients and those with chronic diseases.

— Janine di Giovanni, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026
Miami Jewish Health, which has the largest geriatric care center in the southeast United States and the largest nursing home in Florida, has had to reduce bed capacity by 120 at its nursing home, said Jason Pincus, vice president and nursing home administrator of the organization.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

Definition of geriatric

Adjective

On June 2, 1979, Pope John Paul II set out from Rome on an apostolic journey, as papal trips away from the Vatican are called.

— Paul Elie, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church directed his remarks to university students at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, during an 11-day apostolic journey in Africa.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Definition of apostolic

Adjective

Never leave children, elderly adults or pets in a parked car or truck, even for a few minutes, even if the windows are open, public safety agencies warn.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026
According to police, an elderly driver struck a vehicle, struck the pedestrians and then crashed into a building.

— Jose Fabian, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of elderly

Adjective

Parsi priesthood is hereditary, meaning all the boys here have been born into priestly families.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
Before heading to seminary and taking up the priestly collar, Borba enjoyed red carpets and professional acclaim for his business acumen.

— David Begnaud, CBS News, 15 June 2026

Definition of priestly

Adjective

Asked about the impact of successor Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence, Kamrava questioned the official explanation of security concerns, especially given the public appearance of other senior figures, and pointed to previous reports of his injury.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Sophomore Brett Burnor and senior Nash McElree, a transfer from Texas, are competing.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of senior

Adjective

The last few weeks have shown his governing style and a remarkable run of papal decision-making where Leo has set the agenda, rather than merely fulfill the appointments set by his predecessor.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Some attendees, though, expressed more trepidation about the consecration of new bishops without papal approval.

— Noah LaBelle, NPR, 2 July 2026

Definition of papal

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patriarch

patriarchal

patriarchs

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“Patriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patriarchal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of patriarchal

adjective

Example Sentences

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