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
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.
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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
Oysters have been associated with sensuality and virility for centuries.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
Oysters have been associated with sensuality and virility for centuries.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for virility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virility
masculinity
Noun
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His character, Raj, presented a new model of masculinity that wasn’t the angry young man of the previous generation.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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It is described as a sophisticated mystery set at an East Coast boarding school that explores privilege, scandal, sexuality and masculinity amid the rise of social media, millennial anxiety and pharmaceuticals.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Virility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virility. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.
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