maidenly

adjective

Definition of maidenlynext
as in virginal

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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 maidenly Virgo Virgo is symbolized by the maidenly virgin, which often leads to the misconception that Virgos are prudish and innocent. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, 25 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maidenly
  1. virginal
  2. girlish
  3. youthful
  4. young
  5. boyish
  6. ingenuous
Adjective
  • The female figures of the Three Graces represent the literal gift of a woman giving her virginal body to a man as property bestowed upon a new owner.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Kris and Billy watch that one together in an intimate sleepover, sinking into the murky texture of a scene in which the virginal actor allowed a jerk to take off her clothes.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of virginal
Adjective
  • The books’ capacious geography felt like a girlish form of manifest destiny.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The label saw her girlish soprano and bubbly personality as perfect for the pop charts, but Parton longed to be a country star.
    — Deborah Wilker, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of girlish
Adjective
  • Some of the newer wearable fragrances seem to be aiming to connect us with our more youthful selves.
    — Chloe Schama, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But Season 2 clocks the fitful maturation process without mirroring as many of its youthful mistakes.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of youthful
Adjective
  • Upbringing and early career Lily-Rose Depp and her younger brother, Jack, attended school in the United States growing up but also spent significant time in France.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • He was tasked with holding the movie’s most complex, morally challenging ideas, as a young boy running from trauma and left to decide between danger and redemption.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of young
Adjective
  • O’Connell is boyish, enthusiastic, both worried and excited about the opportunity he’s been given.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In just a few years, Burke had transformed from a boyish, homeschooled gamer into a streaming-era idol.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of boyish
Adjective
  • Ella Stiller is their ingenuous aide-de-camp, Busy Philipps a flamboyant investor and Renée Elise Goldsberry as an opposing counsel who has history with Colter.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Modern Love used a photo of David Bowie in a long dress as his profile picture, and so the ingenuous, myopic Floyd expects a woman.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of ingenuous

Browse Nearby Words

maidenhood
maidenly
maiden name
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maidenly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maidenly. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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