Definition of effeminatenext
as in feminine
of or relating to a man who has or displays qualities traditionally considered more suitable for women he had a high and somewhat effeminate voice

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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 effeminate Throughout the 1900s, and even into the ‘80s and ’90s, women often were encouraged to be more effeminate, and male counterparts were told to embrace their masculinity. — Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026 Phil initially teases Peter for being weak and effeminate. — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 25 Sep. 2025 Here is a boy warrior, with a supple abdomen and bare bronze thighs, confident and effeminate. — Phil Melanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 June 2025 So in a move that no one had approved, Wayans put on an effeminate voice for the character in hopes Executive Producer Lorne Michaels would be angry. — Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effeminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effeminate
Adjective
  • The shoes have deeply low sides along the vamp that are cut away to expose the arch and inner sides of the foot, creating a flirtier and more feminine outline.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Because of body composition, some notes that could be considered feminine like large waxy florals, or masculine like tobacco can come across completely differently depending on the person.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The elastic insult is meant to belittle the target as inauthentic, attention-hungry, unserious, and unmanly.
    — Erik Forrest Jackson, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
  • For Marius’ friend, police chief Silviu (Alex Conovaru), such solicitude is weak and unmanly.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The sissy bar, rear fender, license plate bracket, and seat pan are all one-off items.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Effeminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effeminate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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