MACHO Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

macho 1 of 2

noun

Definition of macho

as in masculinity

the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men their annual guys-only hunting trip is a celebration of macho

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

macho

2 of 2

adjective

as in hypermasculine

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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 macho

Noun

In the 20th century, macho came to mean an exaggerated or even somewhat aggressive kind of masculinity, often with humorous undertones. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 And the ultra macho (and sometimes clueless) Rick Ford is having none of this. — Mike Ryan, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Both the Smiths and mariachi music can drive even the most macho Mexican man to tears with their poetic lyrics and layered instrumentals. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 Not that Georgian masculinity, with its macho, bellicose posturing and archaic codes of honor, is portrayed as anything other than fumbling and futile. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for macho

Recent Examples of Synonyms for macho

Noun

Aside from his work on screen, the Londoner is an accomplished poet whose work explores themes of masculinity, love, grief and connection.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
The coming-of-age story is set in the 1990s and explores themes of masculinity and homophobia.

— Tara Lynch, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of masculinity

Adjective

Many of Mifune's films cast him in hypermasculine roles, though Mifune’s performances were often layered.

— Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
The Tate brothers, who openly describe themselves as misogynists, built a global following by promoting a lavish, hypermasculine lifestyle through their social media empire.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hypermasculine

Adjective

The furnishings and décor are sleek and masculine, with materials like teak, oak, and leather, while in the bathrooms, black Zimbabwe marble and white Navona travertine strike a dramatic tone.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
The series’ most potentially radical idea, one that doesn’t quite pay off because the editing is so heavy on the masculine experience, is the inclusion of three women volunteers.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of masculine

Adjective

This switching of places is especially true of Islam seen as an alien but also more virile force than Western liberalism, one whose power thus needs to be countered by its own weapons of solidarity and domination.

— Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
Jimmy is immediately struck by this younger, virile, needier man when Vincent asks him to help move a piece of furniture in.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 May 2026

Definition of virile

Adjective

The Christian male protagonist Samaan (Marwan Waleed) is a socially awkward young man traumatized by a terrorist incident that led to his father’s murder.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
The drugs are today available in more forms, such as a pill, and are also more affordable, leading more younger, lower-income and male consumers to use the drugs, according to the research.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026