patriarchal

adjective

pa·​tri·​ar·​chal ˌpā-trē-ˈär-kəl How to pronounce patriarchal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a patriarch or patriarchy
a patriarchal culture
a patriarchal religion

Examples of patriarchal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Innocent also linked this behavior to larger systemic issues, such as patriarchal power structures, where leaders often feel entitled to claim credit for work that isn't theirs. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 In a time when patriarchal family and societal structures allowed men like Gwan-sik and Sang-gil power over their wives and daughters, Gwan-sik chose to love Ae-sun rather than to control her. Kayti Burt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025 Following the 2024 Election, the 4B Movement—a boycott on relationships with men—was floated as an idea to oppose conservative patriarchal notions and male Trump voters in the US. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 According to 2012 research from Child Abuse Review, this kind of father wound is resultant of a common patriarchal norm: that men should focus solely on maintaining order, while remaining emotionally stoic. Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for patriarchal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriarchal was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Patriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchal. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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