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
  • Inflammation from these conditions can paralyze the colon, causing symptoms like bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
    Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 6 June 2025
  • Fear of the unknown, driven by economic instability and geopolitical shifts, can paralyze teams.
    David Meade, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The organization also discourages sharing personal information while connected to public WiFi.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
  • If, however, the president makes good on those threats or even institutes a different series of tariffs to discourage studios from shooting movies overseas, no amount of tax credits and belt-tightening will be able to save the day.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • On May 18, Palmer and the cast attended the Shadyside High Senior Prom ’88 experience as guests explored versions of the gymnasium, lockers, girls’ bathroom and more locations designed to frighten fans.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
  • What to know The Astra channel said that Tokarev, head of the military medical commission of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Sevastopol, got frightened during an air raid alarm overnight on May 1 sparked by a Ukrainian drone barrage.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Having borrowed the sand and surf motif from his surfer brother Dennis Wilson — the only surfer among the group — Brian later became inspired, and frustrated, by The Beatles’ evolving sound.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 11 June 2025
  • As a result, Hough and other park superintendents were constantly frustrated by their inability to protect the park’s features from vandals and thieves.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • The report's analysis of teaching capabilities reveals why educators are feeling simultaneously excited and terrified about AI's expanding role in classrooms.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • When neighbors are afraid to call the police, when workers fear going to their jobs, and when children are terrified their parents won’t come home — that’s not safety.
    Andrew Nietor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • As intimidating as the private equity process may be for franchisors, the jargon and statistics that are a part of everyday franchise life are just as opaque to investors.
    Patrick Galleher, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Swatting is the criminal practice of calling law enforcement, particularly Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, to someone's house in order to harass or intimidate them.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Commissioners debate impact fees Several commissioners expressed concerns that a sharp hike in impact fees could scare away businesses from building in Manatee County, from day care centers to manufacturing.
    Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
  • Apparently, the card's $5 million price tag is not scaring off the jet-setters looking to make the U.S. home.
    Tovia Smith, NPR, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • For me, kilts, pearls, shirts on the head, these are all things that were meant to be like, emasculated and meant to look feminine.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • Women in these relationships were cast as disruptors of traditional gender roles, while men in these relationships were portrayed as emasculated.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 5 May 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 19 Jun. 2025.

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