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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of masculinity
There's an effort in Brooklyn aiming to redefine masculinity, using vulnerability, therapy and brotherhood to reach young men of color through structured emotional support and creative expression.
—
Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
But, as the series’ writer, Gadd doesn’t deliver much in the way of fresh insight about troubled masculinity.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Adapted from Rachel Reid’s novel, the show balances complex themes of sexuality and emotional connection, inspiring fans and promoting non-toxic masculinity, ultimately making what was arguably the biggest cultural impact in television this year.
—Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
Wilson’s gimmick calls out toxic masculinity among his fellow pro wrestlers.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
But, as the series’ writer, Gadd doesn’t deliver much in the way of fresh insight about troubled masculinity.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Adapted from Rachel Reid’s novel, the show balances complex themes of sexuality and emotional connection, inspiring fans and promoting non-toxic masculinity, ultimately making what was arguably the biggest cultural impact in television this year.
—Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
Wilson’s gimmick calls out toxic masculinity among his fellow pro wrestlers.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masculinity
Noun
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The men handling their maleness was interesting.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
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Fact is Bruce Springsteen has forever been a man of the people, a man in search of his own definition of his maleness and his humanity.—
Kevin Powell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Watkins, founder of the YBMen Project which provides young Black men with a safe place to discuss their mental health, manhood and social support, said studies show that 10% of Black adults experience moderate to severe depression, while 18% experience anxiety disorders.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
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Three refractions of broken American manhood in the modern age.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The fashion for bushy beards, and beards’ association with authentic manliness, has followed this same trajectory from irony to earnestness during its various resurgences since the early 19th century.—
Daniel Engber,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
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Suck it up, and embrace the steely, Vader-esque manliness of this Ultra-Tough cooler from RTIC.—
Matthew Korfhage,
Wired News,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The able-bodied white male stood for the virility of the New Deal nation-state.—
John P. Murphy,
ARTnews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
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And the working women clearly recognize the virility of him.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The gnarly riffs and polished guitar tones across last year’s Bees in the Bonnet occasionally leaned into the jazzy or minimal, but the overarching sheen was of a retro rock machismo.—
Joshua Minsoo Kim,
Pitchfork,
24 Apr. 2026
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Yet maybe, as the cartoonish machismo of Trumpism proves its hollowness, America’s latent resentment can be channeled to better ends.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masculinity. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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