VIRILITY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

virility

noun

və-ˈri-lə-tē

as in masculinity

the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men many cultures value virility as a sign of power

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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 virility Contrasting rumors of Hitler’s virility could have actually been very welcome, and such were never confirmed nor denied. —

Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026 Jens snorts angrily; the frost has deprived him of his virility and transformed him into a helpless old man. —

Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025 For someone like Eli, then, projecting movie-star-like virility and vigor was an exercise in social advancement, in distancing himself from his babushka forebears’ grim reality. —

David Kamp, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025 Beards were not signs of virility but of disorder. —

Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virility

Recent Examples of Synonyms for virility

masculinity

Noun

But, as the series’ writer, Gadd doesn’t deliver much in the way of fresh insight about troubled masculinity.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Adapted from Antonio Scurati’s novel, the series delves into the darker aspects of Mussolini’s character, illustrating how his toxic masculinity and exploitation of fear led to his ascent, while inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of his story in today’s political landscape.

— Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026