macho 1 of 2

noun

Definition of machonext
as in masculinity
the set of qualities considered appropriate for or characteristic of men their annual guys-only hunting trip is a celebration of macho

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

macho

2 of 2

adjective

as in hypermasculine

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 macho
Noun
In the 20th century, macho came to mean an exaggerated or even somewhat aggressive kind of masculinity, often with humorous undertones. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 And the ultra macho (and sometimes clueless) Rick Ford is having none of this. — Mike Ryan, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
While the two keep drinking and wait for a rare lunar event, old grievances, outrageous escapades, and macho rivalries explode to the surface. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 June 2026 The filmmaker is an expert in macho two-handers, having written Training Day and The Fast and the Furious, as well as directing End of Watch. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for macho
Recent Examples of Synonyms for macho
  1. masculinity
  2. hypermasculine
  3. manly
  4. masculine
  5. virile
  6. male
Noun
  • Nothing is the epitome of cinematic achievement, alpha masculinity, and Britishness.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 July 2026
  • The Tates’ triumphant return to Miami functioned as something of a litmus test for conservative personalities, with some declaring that their brand of masculinity had no place in the party.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026
Definition of masculinity
Adjective
  • The pressures to look a certain way — hypermasculine, muscular and stylish, for example, among certain subsets of gay men, can be just as harsh and punishing.
    — Stephanie Fairyington, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Cowboy hats, jeans, a lot of alcohol and bull riding combine into a special mix of hypermasculine rituals at Mexican rodeo shows.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of hypermasculine
Adjective
  • In a world that had long equated labor with the physical act of making things, such a shift was seen as not terribly manly, and potentially dangerous to society as a whole.
    — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
  • Odysseus, manly and strong, is catnip to all kinds of scheming women.
    — Jim Beckerman, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of manly
Adjective
  • Custom pieces were also trending this red-carpet, with more masculine, blinged-out, and colorful suits were the center of the carpet.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Suede shirt + camo capris + gold accents One of the easiest ways to look like a fashion insider is juxtaposing masculine and feminine elements in one outfit.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 28 July 2026
Definition of masculine
Adjective
  • Jimmy is immediately struck by this younger, virile, needier man when Vincent asks him to help move a piece of furniture in.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
  • After a faculty party one night, Martha invites the college’s virile new biology professor, Nick, and his vapid wife, Honey, over for a wee-hours drink.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of virile
Adjective
  • Jagetz described tattooing as a profession that remains heavily male dominated, where apprentices are frequently expected to tolerate inappropriate behavior because obtaining a license often depends on the person training them.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The boy has since pled guilty with another male student but at the time denied making the AI nudes, and the mother provided no more information.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Definition of male

Browse Nearby Words

machismo
macho
mack daddies
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Cite this Entry

“Macho.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/macho. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on macho

Nglish: Translation of macho for Spanish Speakers

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