MASCULINITY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

masculinity

noun

ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē

Definition of masculinity

as in maleness

the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity

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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 masculinity Urushadze presents a sympathetic portrait of Niaz, a man who once embodied a certain type of swaggering masculinity but now seems adrift in the modern world. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 How many tiger ear supplements can Joe Rogan sell to increase raw masculinity? — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Traditional ideas about masculinity continue to prize self-reliance, emotional control, and endurance. — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 The history of America’s beef obsession The history of our obsession with beef and masculinity goes back at least 140 years. — Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for masculinity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for masculinity

Noun

Public speech was a—if not the—defining attribute of maleness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
The men handling their maleness was interesting.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025

Definition of maleness

Noun

In a rural lobster fishing village, Bucks Harbor explores manhood, community and survival in a harsh and beautiful world.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Parker is perpetually just on the verge of manhood — youthful, optimistic, with a somewhat innocent boyish sense of romance.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Definition of manhood

Noun

While concerns regarding testosterone levels are new, anxiety about manliness is ancient, often rising with a society’s material comfort.

— Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026
The intoxicating pull of the manosphere – the hyper-online community led by men who tout misogynistic definitions of manliness – has given Glass a boisterous brigade of rivals.

— Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 21 June 2026

Definition of manliness

Noun

The transition from farms, the open range, and artisanal workshops to offices and large, impersonal, factories was seen as sapping virility—just as our tiny cubicles and remote workstations are said to do today.

— Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026
The Emmy nomination comes after the series’ 10th season, which took off in ratings and virility following a much-talked about relationship scandal.

— McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Definition of virility

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masculine

masculinity

mash

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“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masculinity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of masculinity

noun

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