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
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Recent Examples of virility
Beards were not signs of virility but of disorder.
—
Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Mao Zedong is said to have suggested that anyone who couldn’t tolerate chiles couldn’t be a revolutionary; all over the world, and for centuries, spiciness has been something to conquer, and chiles have symbolized strength, bravery, national pride, and virility.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 18 Aug. 2025
Historically, mustaches have symbolized virility and toughness.
—Claire Murashima, NPR, 2 July 2025
This and That • If the pissing in his tight pants escapade wasn’t enough of a sign, Harry’s worried about what growing older will do to his virility.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for virility
Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Mao Zedong is said to have suggested that anyone who couldn’t tolerate chiles couldn’t be a revolutionary; all over the world, and for centuries, spiciness has been something to conquer, and chiles have symbolized strength, bravery, national pride, and virility.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 18 Aug. 2025
Historically, mustaches have symbolized virility and toughness.
—Claire Murashima, NPR, 2 July 2025
This and That • If the pissing in his tight pants escapade wasn’t enough of a sign, Harry’s worried about what growing older will do to his virility.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for virility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virility
masculinity
Noun
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These days, traditional definitions of masculinity are in tension with the need for a more expansive understanding of how to be a man in the world.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
21 Jan. 2026
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Toxic masculinity and homophobic locker rooms have been a problem in all major sports leagues, but hockey hasn’t had much success combatting that image in the public sphere.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Virility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virility. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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