MANHOOD Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

manhood

noun

ˈman-ˌhu̇d

Definition of manhood

as in masculinity

the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men a society that highly values manhood and courage

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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 manhood Diego Luna got his feet wet as a director with the promising 2011 debut, Abel, a slight but disarming tragicomedy that took imaginative shots at Mexican patriarchy and manhood. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 For young men feeling dejected by the public conversation about toxic masculinity, Tate’s celebrations of manhood were galvanizing, and his mocking assaults on feminism felt bracingly irreverent. — Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Why beef culture and agriculture matter in Texas Some of Talarico's critics seemed to be ripping on his manhood, referencing his support for the LGBTQ+ community, along with the purportedly unmanly notion of having, at one time, eschewed meat. — Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2026 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, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manhood

Recent Examples of Synonyms for manhood

masculinity

Noun

The sessions went so well that Morali asked Willis to front the group, which adopted campy archetypes of masculinity — cop, cowboy and construction worker among them — in their stage costumes.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
The juxtaposition of the apex masculinity of the professional athlete with traditionally feminine signifiers of the luxury handbag does seem to short circuit something in the wider culture.

— Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

Definition of masculinity

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manhandling

manhood

mania

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“Manhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manhood. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of manhood

noun

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