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
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
As Henry, Damien Lewis is especially virile if privately conflicted and a sentimental drunk.
—Elle Carroll, Vulture, 18 June 2024
Pitt’s sculpted physique remains a fitness ideal, and his virile performance is worshiped by pickup artists and incels.
—Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for virile
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
As Henry, Damien Lewis is especially virile if privately conflicted and a sentimental drunk.
—Elle Carroll, Vulture, 18 June 2024
Pitt’s sculpted physique remains a fitness ideal, and his virile performance is worshiped by pickup artists and incels.
—Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for virile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virile
Adjective
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In keeping with popular male balms for spiritual suffering, Turner turns to alcohol and functions as a mollusk, socially and professionally; his stoicism is an act, one his peers pick up on, and which some openly deride.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
20 July 2025
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There’s an evident shy attraction between the two, but the two men, both nearing 30, bond first and foremost over their mutual male pattern baldness.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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However, throughout the history of Iranian cinema, perceptive filmmakers have sought to challenge the dominant masculine structure that governs visual language.—
Ali Farahmand,
IndieWire,
8 July 2025
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Denying your primal, masculine nature will only leave you weak and unhappy.—
John McDermott,
Rolling Stone,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Virile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virile. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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