polygyny

Definition of polygynynext

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 polygyny In Queen Mother, Farmer takes a clear-eyed look at Moore’s foibles, noting her absenteeism during her son’s formative years, her embrace of patriarchal hierarchy in Black communities, and her exhortations for Black women to embrace polygyny to facilitate nation building. Dara T. Mathis, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025 In short, there remain multiple ways polygyny can be harmful. David W. Lawson, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025 For generations, anthropologists have argued whether humans are evolved for monogamy or some other mating system, such as polygyny, polyandry or promiscuity. Nathan H. Lents, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025 For generations, anthropologists have argued whether humans are evolved for monogamy or some other mating system, such as polygyny, polyandry or promiscuity. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 His son has been married four times and resurrected the long-dead institution of polygyny. Tamara Loos, Foreign Affairs, 7 Dec. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polygyny
Noun
  • Debuting on the network in 2010, four years after American culture became obsessed with polygamy thanks to HBO’s Big Love, the series has since gained a significant following and is still airing.
    Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025
  • The history of the thing is interesting but vague—a general shift towards monogamy started about three and a half million years ago, but most human societies (around 85% of them) have permitted polygamy too.
    Eva Wiseman, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • One particular enemy of Gauguin’s was Bishop Martin, a Catholic priest on Hiva Oa who did his best to stomp out local custom, forbidding tattooing, Polynesian dancing, and the customary practice of polyandry.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
  • For generations, anthropologists have argued whether humans are evolved for monogamy or some other mating system, such as polygyny, polyandry or promiscuity.
    Nathan H. Lents, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • North Carolina classifies bigamy as a Class I felony, and the charge can result in imprisonment for anyone who knowingly marries while still legally married to another person.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Three wives in three counties may just be the start for a man facing felony bigamy charges in North Carolina, investigators say.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Ozzy Osbourne is survived by six children from two marriages.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Love Is Blind has produced several marriages since premiering in 2020.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the age of social media obsessions and waning monogamy, Basic is a ridiculously relatable laugh riot.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Yes, Aham may truly believe that monogamy is racist.
    Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Polygyny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polygyny. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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