matriarchal

adjective

Definition of matriarchalnext
1
as in female

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2
as in patriarchal

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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 matriarchal Despite that underlying tension, kids play on the street outside while the large family has a dynamic like any other — noisily squabbling, joking, or in the case of the matriarchal grandmother, Mariam (Hiam Abbass), preparing a meal in a kitchen plagued by constant utility outages. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 In the supporting role of the matriarchal cookhouse keeper Maria was Denyce Graves, the legendary mezzo-soprano opera star. — Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026 There is a strong matriarchal figure whose presence dictates the course of action. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 May 2026 This matriarchal practice defines Tunisia’s food culture. — Boutheina Ben Salem, Vogue, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for matriarchal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matriarchal
  1. female
  2. patriarchal
  3. feminine
  4. elderly
  5. matronly
  6. geriatric
  7. womanly
  8. senior
Adjective
  • What an intriguing and clever twist on the classic bank heist narrative, with powerful female performances at its core by Carrie Crowley, Bríd Brennan and Eva-Jane Gaffney.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Ivey was arrested as a result of the investigation and charged with capital rape, first degree domestic battery, unlawful female mutilation of a minor and first degree terroristic threatening, the post said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of female
Adjective
  • The paternal-line male succession was stipulated for the first time in the 1890 Imperial House Law, when Japan promoted patriarchal systems.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Across the globe, anti-gender campaigning is frequently tied to right-wing nationalism, white supremacy, and assertions of patriarchal power.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of patriarchal
Adjective
  • Through serial repetition, role-play, and the oscillation between masculine and feminine visual codes, Stötzer stages gender as something performed rather than possessed.
    — Elisa R. Linn, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Along with a brief moment of tenderness Sara experiences with her class’s resident dork, this feminine camaraderie makes for a nugget of niceness in a sea of despair.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of feminine
Adjective
  • Tamang said her family was able to rush to higher ground, carrying her elderly grandmother with them, but their home was washed away.
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The second half of the novel focuses on Alice, an elderly woman who suffers from dementia.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of elderly
Adjective
  • After evading suspicion for years, in part because of her disarming, matronly demeanor, Puente was ultimately arrested.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 July 2026
  • After years of matronly tankinis, there are now some great plus-size swim pieces available on the market, including this scarlet snake-print one-piece from Nomads Swimwear.
    — Sarah Chiwaya, Refinery29, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of matronly
Adjective
  • His main competition, the geriatric Aaron Jones, should be relegated to backup duty.
    — Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The geriatric ERs also saved Medicare up to about $3,000 a visit, according to an earlier study Hwang led.
    — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of geriatric
Adjective
  • With its elegant, womanly heel curving into a narrow point and its sensible perforated top designed to resemble a man's oxford dress shoe, the oxford pump is the shoe of a woman who stands between two worlds.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • Marant launched her label and had her first show in 1994, quickly becoming a byword for a hip, womanly brand of boho chic.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
Definition of womanly
Adjective
  • There isn’t room on a roster to list all the positions where North Chicago senior Amari Earl could play in a single game.
    — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Iran is determined to smother any internal unrest Rezaei’s appointment came in a recent set of decrees by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, that formally set Iran’s new senior leadership, including top military posts.
    — Lee Keath, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of senior

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Matriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarchal. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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