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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Parents were taught to respond supportively while stepping back from rescuing their child from what frightened them.

— Deldhy Nicolás Moya Sánchez, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026
The company pictured tales that might start in an Indian hamlet yet still frighten viewers in Seoul or São Paulo.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

But innovation does not come from a system that effectively discourages questioning.

— Washington Post, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Native children were often separated from their families and communities through boarding schools, where they were discouraged or prevented from speaking their Native languages and practicing their cultures.

— Conor McGill, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

If the thought of having your email inbox leaked to the world doesn’t terrify you, better check that pulse.

— Stephanie Barnes, PC Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
The simple act of a child pedaling down empty hotel hallways on a Big Wheel builds anticipation, terrifying us with what may be around each corner.

— Radhika Seth, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrify

Verb

Miami coach Mario Cristobal was frustrated with the call after the game.

— Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Johannesburg’s mayoral race reveals a city frustrated by years of corruption and crumbling infrastructure – and a country at a crossroad.

— Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

Perhaps the point is to intimidate Vela and her henchman, but the move puts our Tulsa truthstorian in new and uncomfortable territory.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
The wiretapping operation could also constitute a serious human rights violation and could be used to intimidate critics and weaken civil liberties, said Usman Hamid, Amnesty International's executive director in Indonesia.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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