UNMAN Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

unman

verb

ˌən-ˈman

Definition of unman

as in to paralyze

to deprive of courage or confidence the near crash of the airliner was a completely unmanning experience for the passengers

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as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of players who wouldn't let themselves be unmanned by the loss of a single game

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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

Four patients getting routine joint replacement surgeries at a hospital in Nashville allegedly had the wrong drug injected into their spines, leaving at least one woman paralyzed, according to her family.

— Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026
That summer, Detroit was paralyzed by a violent uprising, which erupted after the city’s predominantly white police force raided a night club in a Black neighborhood.

— Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of paralyze

Verb

But Airbnb has acknowledged guest frustration over cleaning fees and advises hosts that setting them too high can discourage bookings.

— Mike Winters, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
The release of the lists comes as Sheinbaum’s administration prepares new ‘audience rights’ rules that would discourage television and radio outlets from broadcasting what the government calls ‘false’ information.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

During the delay, television cameras captured the Blue Jays waiting and visibly frustrated by the delay, with Scherzer among the players reacting to what was happening.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
North is frustrated with Jasper County officials, specifically the commissioners, for pushing the project through.

— Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

But there’s plenty of evidence that many Iranian women are not intimidated by official campaigns.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
While bidding adieu to dirty diapers is something most parents look forward to (and some actively long for), navigating the murky waters of potty training can be intimidating, nevertheless.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of intimidate

Verb

Under Republican control, the House of Representatives has been emasculated.

— Linh Tat, Oc Register, 5 May 2026
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

Definition of emasculate

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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“Unman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unman. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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