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 emerged as legible emblems of male virility and authority just as women began demanding the vote.
—
Book Marks
august 1, Literary Hub, 1 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
Book Marks
august 1, Literary Hub, 1 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
-
The anger expressed in his music was not unlike Eminem, whose brash internal frustrations with masculinity fueled the most brilliant and simultaneously violent, misogynistic, and homophobic music of his career.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Abaraonye wore sweatpants to the debate, which focused on masculinity and purpose for young men.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Virility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virility. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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