virility

noun

və-ˈri-lə-tē How to pronounce virility (audio)
Definition of virilitynext
as in masculinity
the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men many cultures value virility as a sign of power

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 virility The Emmy nomination comes after the series’ 10th season, which took off in ratings and virility following a much-talked about relationship scandal. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 This can fuel a return to regressive ideals of masculinity and virility. — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 6 July 2026 It is also said to restore virility and regrow hair. — Phoebe Quinton, AJC.com, 15 June 2026 Peptides marketed for growth, virility and other effects are hormone mimickers, trying to do the job the body's natural hormones already perform. — Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virility
masculinity
Noun
  • The controversial rise of Andrew Tate, a promoter of toxic masculinity across social media platforms, will be the subject of an upcoming Investigation Discovery docuseries.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Manosphere vibes Some of the most popular creators – Rogan, Von, Carlson and Gillis – appeal to, or helped construct, the manosphere, a loose collection of online communities that promote masculinity and often reflect misogynistic attitudes.
    — Karrin Vasby Anderson, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of masculinity

Browse Nearby Words

virile
virility
virtu
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virility. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Pyrrhic

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
couple-laugh-cafe
Quiz: Foreign Phrases You Should Know Check out your bona fides and avoid any faux pas.
See All