MACHO Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

macho 1 of 2

noun

Definition of macho

as in masculinity

the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men their annual guys-only hunting trip is a celebration of macho

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macho

2 of 2

adjective

as in hypermasculine

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Dissimilar Words

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 macho

Noun

In the 20th century, macho came to mean an exaggerated or even somewhat aggressive kind of masculinity, often with humorous undertones. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 And the ultra macho (and sometimes clueless) Rick Ford is having none of this. — Mike Ryan, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025

Adjective

The headlong pacing allows nary a breather, though there are enough wry notes, character quirks and offbeat details (remote-control doors, goats, a knife fight on a waterbed) to prevent macho monotony from setting in. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026 The macho myth Decades of research undercut Hegseth’s core claim that more testosterone means a more aggressive, dominant, masculine man. — Adam Stanaland, The Conversation, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for macho

Recent Examples of Synonyms for macho

Noun

Experts believe the statue may have symbolized masculinity, virility, strength, and courage.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Tristan Tate, 38, has built a following by creating and promoting a similar take on modern masculinity.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of masculinity

Adjective

The pressures to look a certain way — hypermasculine, muscular and stylish, for example, among certain subsets of gay men, can be just as harsh and punishing.

— Stephanie Fairyington, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Cowboy hats, jeans, a lot of alcohol and bull riding combine into a special mix of hypermasculine rituals at Mexican rodeo shows.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026

Definition of hypermasculine

Adjective

Here, the wealthy and asthmatic young politician, bolstered by time spent outside among manly men, grew strong enough to meet his destiny.

— Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
In a world that had long equated labor with the physical act of making things, such a shift was seen as not terribly manly, and potentially dangerous to society as a whole.

— Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

Definition of manly

Adjective

The colors are widely understood to respectively represent masculine and feminine genders, which are usually assigned at birth, as well as persons who are agender (genderless or gender neutral), intersex, or in gender transition.

— Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026
Instead, Brink and stylist Shiona Turini consistently blend masculine tailoring and feminine silhouettes to create looks worth emulating all autumn long.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of masculine

Adjective

Jimmy is immediately struck by this younger, virile, needier man when Vincent asks him to help move a piece of furniture in.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
After a faculty party one night, Martha invites the college’s virile new biology professor, Nick, and his vapid wife, Honey, over for a wee-hours drink.

— Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

Definition of virile

Adjective

With Harald’s birth, the male line of succession to the crown was secured.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
In 2024, 30 years after Lopez was found dead, police offered a 2,500 euro reward for information leading to an arrest after a male DNA trace was discovered.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026