male 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmāl How to pronounce male (audio)
Definition of malenext
as in masculine
of, relating to, or marked by qualities traditionally associated with men the radio program offers both male and female perspectives on many common relationship issues

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

male

2 of 2

noun

as in guy
an adult male human being research shows that more males than females are responding positively to the new ad campaign

Synonyms & Similar 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 male
Adjective
Between the end of summer and the start of fall, usually from the end of August to October, male tarantulas in North America go out in search of eight-legged females to get ready to have babies, according to the National Park Service. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The series translates the world of Asian male pageantry into a rags-to-riches competition format. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
A day later, a Black male’s body was found about 10 miles away in the channel and, at this stage, is being treated as a separate incident, Vizcarra said. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The third whale to die, a 34-year-old male named Beethoven, had lived at Shedd Aquarium for decades, the aquarium said in an announcement. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for male
Recent Examples of Synonyms for male
  1. masculine
  2. guy
  3. gentleman
  4. man
  5. dude
Adjective
  • In prison, which is a hyper-masculine space, there was this subtle thinking about masculinity.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Later, his father and uncle would initiate him into the masculine play worlds of Albany’s bars, poolrooms, and bowling alleys.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of masculine
Noun
  • These guys have such a burden on them in general at this level, but no one on our team has a bigger burden on his shoulders than him.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond the price tag, a point of pride for Marchitelli is dressing his guys for some of the biggest moments of their careers, whether that be their wedding day or Super Bowl Sunday.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of guy
Noun
  • In this 1985 novel, recently reissued by NYRB, Louise has returned to the splendor and decay of New Orleans, where one drunken yet charming Southern gentleman in particular catches her eye.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Portraying a character who is an all-around gentleman was the biggest challenge for Skarsgård.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of gentleman
Noun
  • The Ravens haven’t traditionally kept a third quarterback on the 53-man roster, but Fagnano starred throughout the preseason, completing 75 percent of his passes and throwing for 509 yards and three touchdowns.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Davis is the only person still alive among the four men prosecutors say were in the Cadillac.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of man
Noun
  • That dude should have been a hero for saving that game for the Angels, with that spectacular catch for the second out in the ninth.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Wendy’s pregnant pal Lindsay (Debby Ryan), eyes flashing with frustration that she’s not allowed to dictate her best friend’s decisions, also sets up a blind date with her selection, Danny (Tim Nienhueser), a solid dude with great hair.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of dude

Browse Nearby Words

malcontents
male
maledict
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Male.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/male. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on male

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about male

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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