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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
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
-
The male wolf also had been released into Colorado from British Columbia but was found in Wyoming.—
Noël Fletcher,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Both Accountant 2 and Sinners are R-rated are competing with Revenge of the Sith for male attention, although the latter has the advantage of also playing to families.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Andrew Durand, as McCurdy, lends him a square-jawed masculine resentment and entitlement.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The clever exploration of contrasts — marrying delicate fabrics, soft palettes, and masculine silhouettes — was the label’s unique formula for winning over fashion’s insiders, including powerhouse Moda Operandi.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Virile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virile. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share