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
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
But before then, they were exclusively worn by men and were a sign of virility and high social status.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virility
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
But before then, they were exclusively worn by men and were a sign of virility and high social status.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virility
masculinity
Noun
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The real loss, at the altar of a warped vision of masculinity, is courage and skill, sacrificed so that a few good men can go on measuring themselves against their own hollow myth of toughness.—
Arman Khan,
Them.,
3 Oct. 2025
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Toxic masculinity, of both the younger and older varieties, are on unsettling display in Alejandro Castro Arias’ debut feature, which recently received its world premiere at the Oldenburg International Film Festival.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Virility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virility. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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