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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There's no question that Wansack has perfected his curly routine (the proof is in his videos), but the ritual represents his commitment to challenging toxic masculinity.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
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Throughout the 1900s, and even into the ‘80s and ’90s, women often were encouraged to be more effeminate, and male counterparts were told to embrace their masculinity.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Virility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virility. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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