MATRIARCHAL Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

matriarchal

adjective

Definition of matriarchal

as in female

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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 matriarchal Navajo society was matrilineal and matriarchal, and women had already long been involved in work outside the home. — Lua Vollaard, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026 Bonobos also operate in a matriarchal society. — Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026 Despite that underlying tension, kids play on the street outside while the large family has a dynamic like any other — noisily squabbling, joking, or in the case of the matriarchal grandmother, Mariam (Hiam Abbass), preparing a meal in a kitchen plagued by constant utility outages. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 In the supporting role of the matriarchal cookhouse keeper Maria was Denyce Graves, the legendary mezzo-soprano opera star. — Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for matriarchal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matriarchal

Adjective

Each female cone is borne in an upright position and is commonly violet-blue before maturing to brown.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
DeMellier’s founder, Mireia Llusia-Lindh, tapped the residential architect Nicolas Schuybroek to create a space that felt like a stylish home with vintage furniture, photography and architecture books and original work by female artists.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of female

Adjective

In that sense, New Stanford replicates an ancient form of patriarchal bias that casts men as the norm and women as an atypical other.

— Judy Berman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
The patriarchal, academic, hierarchical setting of hospitals, particularly university hospitals, is overwhelmingly daunting for me.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of patriarchal

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

An elderly pedestrian was killed after he was struck by two vehicles on Interstate 80 early Thursday morning, authorities said.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Disney actor Erik von Detten is being sued for allegedly scamming an elderly couple in a bizarre precious-metals scheme.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of elderly

Adjective

After evading suspicion for years, in part because of her disarming, matronly demeanor, Puente was ultimately arrested.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 July 2026
After years of matronly tankinis, there are now some great plus-size swim pieces available on the market, including this scarlet snake-print one-piece from Nomads Swimwear.

— Sarah Chiwaya, Refinery29, 6 Apr. 2025

Definition of matronly

Adjective

Somebody like Gilroy or Jeff Kober and Barry Corbin (popping up occasionally as a pair of geriatric gangsters) will come and go in situations knowingly designed to feel contrived.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Ossoff, seen as a potential 2028 contender, said geriatric politicians have little comprehension of AI technology.

— Jill Colvin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of geriatric

Adjective

With its elegant, womanly heel curving into a narrow point and its sensible perforated top designed to resemble a man's oxford dress shoe, the oxford pump is the shoe of a woman who stands between two worlds.

— Danielle Parker, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Marant launched her label and had her first show in 1994, quickly becoming a byword for a hip, womanly brand of boho chic.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Definition of womanly

Adjective

Kazmierczak had 60 assists and 4 blocks, senior Kendall Ezell had 23 digs, and sophomore Emerson Lalashuis had 17 kills.

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Senior defender Pauly Rzadkosz pointed out the loss will not diminish what the Vikings’ senior class was able to accomplish.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of senior

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“Matriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarchal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of matriarchal

adjective

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