Definition of unmannext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb unman differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unman are emasculate, enervate, and unnerve. While all these words mean "to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action," unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit.

a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

In what contexts can emasculate take the place of unman?

The words emasculate and unman are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential.

an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards

Where would enervate be a reasonable alternative to unman?

The words enervate and unman can be used in similar contexts, but enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort.

a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure

When is it sensible to use unnerve instead of unman?

While in some cases nearly identical to unman, unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act.

unnerved by the near collision

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unman
Verb
  • Chávez was also 14 when he was shot and paralyzed during a robbery by gang members.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Tanker traffic has ground to a near halt, 20% of global supply has been paralyzed, and the old-world energy order has been shaken.
    Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry has opposed the environmental groups’ stance, arguing that the current proposal would discourage an already declining refinery sector from continuing to operate in California, advocating for more flexible rules on the cap.
    Chaewon Chung March 9, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026
  • If using fencing, an electric wire at the top and bottom of fencing can discourage coyotes but won’t harm them, says Owen.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His dribbling, direct running style and finishing frighten defenders and light up the biggest stages.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The piercing sunlight frightens her.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Avalanche players were frustrated shortly after the loss.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Angelenos are frustrated with the direction of the city and it’s reflected in her low approval numbers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But across the political divide, the bombings are terrifying for many Iranians, with civilian casualities on the rise.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Public testimony stretched for hours, where speakers shared concerns that the legislation could have legal repercussions, disrupt community relationships with local law enforcement and make immigrants terrified to interact with police, school or hospital staff.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That was incredibly intimidating to me.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The spa also feels high-end without being intimidating—my facialist answered all my questions while providing a calming, nearly ASMR experience.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That term definitely scared off some other teams.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Among them is an allegation that Live Nation threatens to retaliate against venues that work with rivals, allegedly scaring those venues into complying.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • No matter what agenda the president espoused—the economic pragmatism of Rafsanjani, the liberal aspirations of Mohammad Khatami, the populist provocations of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the nuclear diplomacy of Hassan Rouhani—Khamenei emasculated him.
    Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2026
  • In the political sphere—an arena that’s increasingly entangled with social media—figures such as Elon Musk decry empathy as an emasculating plague.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Unman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unman. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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