as in male
of, relating to, or marked by qualities traditionally associated with men
men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of virile
The Victorians, perhaps sensing that Britain’s empire could not stay young and virile forever, took this Romantic dread and ran with it.
—
Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2025
New cassette players are being manufactured and competition is virile, musicians are releasing more and more records on the format and Amazon is selling old cassettes like a bumper crop.
—Spin Team, SPIN, 28 Nov. 2024
While a tabloid scandal and a terrorist plot don’t seem like fuel for a winning Oscar campaign, all of it contributed to Crowe’s image as a throwback to the days when Hollywood leading men were virile and larger than life.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
And John himself is a strong, virile man willing to take control of any situation.
—William Earl, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for virile
Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2025
New cassette players are being manufactured and competition is virile, musicians are releasing more and more records on the format and Amazon is selling old cassettes like a bumper crop.
—Spin Team, SPIN, 28 Nov. 2024
While a tabloid scandal and a terrorist plot don’t seem like fuel for a winning Oscar campaign, all of it contributed to Crowe’s image as a throwback to the days when Hollywood leading men were virile and larger than life.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
And John himself is a strong, virile man willing to take control of any situation.
—William Earl, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for virile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virile
Adjective
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Not surprisingly, the camp demographic skews older and is mostly male, like Province, 65.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Friends of mine received unwanted explicit snaps from male peers, some were contacted by complete strangers, and many were bullied on the platform.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Mercedes-Benz Club (Black) is their most popular fragrance and its scent profile features masculine amber and vanilla notes.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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As the most exciting player entering the league that year, her masculine look stood out.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Virile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virile. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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