Definition of unmannext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb unman differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unman are emasculate, enervate, and unnerve. While all these words mean "to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action," unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit.

a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

In what contexts can emasculate take the place of unman?

The words emasculate and unman are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential.

an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards

Where would enervate be a reasonable alternative to unman?

The words enervate and unman can be used in similar contexts, but enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort.

a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure

When is it sensible to use unnerve instead of unman?

While in some cases nearly identical to unman, unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act.

unnerved by the near collision

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unman
Verb
  • Because of the paralyzing fear caused by their operation, small businesses whose customer bases and workforces include immigrant community members temporarily closed due to the sharp drop in customers and fear that their businesses would be subject to CBP raids.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
  • McDonald was only 20 months on the job when a 15-year-old suspect, Shavod Jones, opened fire on him in Central Park on July 12, 1986, striking McDonald in the face, neck and wrist, and paralyzing him instantly.
    Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Some borrowers have become discouraged by the wait, experts say.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
  • High speeds discourage sidewalk activity, reduce visibility for storefronts, and make outdoor dining feel risky rather than inviting.
    Tim Giuliani, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Konstantin, 4, a sociable boy, is often frightened by loud noises and guards, his parents said.
    Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Like the 1987 Kurt Vonnegut novel from which the restaurant took its name, Bluebeard encourages guests to drop their guard, surround themselves with other people and try something that frightens them a little.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But now concerns have grown and even some of the airline’s most loyal customers are frustrated after the carrier rolled out a new boarding process to pair with the policy change.
    Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The two upperclassmen used contrasting styles to frustrate TCU defensively.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Quote of the week Labour seem to be mystified and terrified of the bond market in equal proportions.
    Ian King, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Pearl asks Sam the changeling son, appropriately terrified by the terms of such salvation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The goal was to intimidate the family into not competing in the Beijing Games.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The grand jury indictment charged Lemon and eight others with conspiracy against right of religious freedom at place of worship and another count of working to injure, intimidate or interfere with the exercise the right of religious freedom at a place of worship.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Why this message is designed to scare This scam relies on presentation, not accuracy.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • That kind of stuff is fun, [and] doesn’t scare me too much.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In the political sphere—an arena that’s increasingly entangled with social media—figures such as Elon Musk decry empathy as an emasculating plague.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Jordan continues yapping about being emasculated and being less of a man for staying with his wife.
    Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Unman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unman. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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