as in masculinity
the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men
many cultures value virility as a sign of power
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Recent Examples of virility
But before then, they were exclusively worn by men and were a sign of virility and high social status.
—
Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Tom Cruise, that avatar of all-American virility, opened the evening with an address that reaffirmed the rightness of the proceedings, much as Peck had in 1968.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2025
Managers no longer have two sartorial choices — polyester sportswear to denote virility and dynamism and suit and tie to convey sombre authority — but have branched out into turtlenecks, quarter-zips, and merino wool sweaters, the wardrobe of the TEDx talk.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
And while a full head of hair has traditionally been seen as a symbol of masculinity and virility for men across the world, Turkey’s cosmetic surgeons might understand that better than anyone.
—Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for virility
Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Tom Cruise, that avatar of all-American virility, opened the evening with an address that reaffirmed the rightness of the proceedings, much as Peck had in 1968.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2025
Managers no longer have two sartorial choices — polyester sportswear to denote virility and dynamism and suit and tie to convey sombre authority — but have branched out into turtlenecks, quarter-zips, and merino wool sweaters, the wardrobe of the TEDx talk.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
And while a full head of hair has traditionally been seen as a symbol of masculinity and virility for men across the world, Turkey’s cosmetic surgeons might understand that better than anyone.
—Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for virility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virility
masculinity
Noun
-
The series sparked an ongoing conversation about social media, toxic masculinity, and boyhood.—
Parents Editors,
Parents,
22 July 2025
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As has been written by many, the perception of masculinity was boosted by the endorsement of masculine podcasters and influencers.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Virility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virility. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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