as in feminine
of or relating to a man who has or displays qualities traditionally considered more suitable for women
he had a high and somewhat effeminate voice
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Recent Examples of effeminate
One of the earliest of American masculinity influencers was President Theodore Roosevelt, who touted his own transformation from a timid, effeminate man – local presses mocked him in his early career – to a rugged outdoorsman.
—
Miriam Eve Mora,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
Throughout the 1900s, and even into the ‘80s and ’90s, women often were encouraged to be more effeminate, and male counterparts were told to embrace their masculinity.
—
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Phil initially teases Peter for being weak and effeminate.
—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
25 Sep. 2025
Here is a boy warrior, with a supple abdomen and bare bronze thighs, confident and effeminate.
—
Phil Melanson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for effeminate
Miriam Eve Mora,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
Throughout the 1900s, and even into the ‘80s and ’90s, women often were encouraged to be more effeminate, and male counterparts were told to embrace their masculinity.
—
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Phil initially teases Peter for being weak and effeminate.
—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
25 Sep. 2025
Here is a boy warrior, with a supple abdomen and bare bronze thighs, confident and effeminate.
—
Phil Melanson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for effeminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effeminate
Adjective
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The juxtaposition of the apex masculinity of the professional athlete with traditionally feminine signifiers of the luxury handbag does seem to short circuit something in the wider culture.
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The brand's elevated styles are heavily marked down right now, including the feminine Lace Midi Dress at 57 percent off and the flattering Colorblock High-rise Riley Trousers at 54 percent off.
Adjective
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Why beef culture and agriculture matter in Texas Some of Talarico's critics seemed to be ripping on his manhood, referencing his support for the LGBTQ+ community, along with the purportedly unmanly notion of having, at one time, eschewed meat.
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Clever rather than athletic; also unmanly.
Cite this Entry
“Effeminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effeminate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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