epicene

adjective

ˈe-pə-ˌsēn How to pronounce epicene (audio)
Definition of epicenenext
as in feminine
of or relating to a man who has or displays qualities traditionally considered more suitable for women an ancient statue of a young man of graceful, epicene beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 epicene For many men — and many women — these figures remain far more admirable than the epicene children of liberal imagination. — Samuel Goldman, The Week, 3 Nov. 2021 His name is Strat, and he is played with beguiling epicene virility and lungs of steel by the willowy Andrew Polec. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epicene
  1. feminine
  2. effeminate
  3. unmanly
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
Definition of feminine
Adjective
  • In Texas, Republicans have variously suggested that Senate candidate James Talarico is effeminate, gay, transgender…and/or pedophilic.
    — Caitlin Dewey, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The next big issue for me was that Axl shimmied from side to side with an unusual snakelike move that struck me as effeminate and lame.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of effeminate
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
Definition of unmanly

Browse Nearby Words

epic
epicene
epicenter
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Cite this Entry

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

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