as in male
of, relating to, or marked by qualities traditionally associated with men
men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of virile
New cassette players are being manufactured and competition is virile, musicians are releasing more and more records on the format and Amazon is selling old cassettes like a bumper crop.
—
Spin Team, SPIN, 28 Nov. 2024
While a tabloid scandal and a terrorist plot don’t seem like fuel for a winning Oscar campaign, all of it contributed to Crowe’s image as a throwback to the days when Hollywood leading men were virile and larger than life.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
And John himself is a strong, virile man willing to take control of any situation.
—William Earl, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
As Henry, Damien Lewis is especially virile if privately conflicted and a sentimental drunk.
—Elle Carroll, Vulture, 18 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for virile
Spin Team, SPIN, 28 Nov. 2024
While a tabloid scandal and a terrorist plot don’t seem like fuel for a winning Oscar campaign, all of it contributed to Crowe’s image as a throwback to the days when Hollywood leading men were virile and larger than life.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
And John himself is a strong, virile man willing to take control of any situation.
—William Earl, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
As Henry, Damien Lewis is especially virile if privately conflicted and a sentimental drunk.
—Elle Carroll, Vulture, 18 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for virile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virile
Adjective
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This need for the child to express volition in the fulfillment of male desires was mentioned in the book, too.—
Rachel Cusk,
New Yorker,
24 Aug. 2025
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Earlier this month a TV gaffe didn't help, with a Georgia station turning his name into a part of the male body on screen.—
Cecil Merkerson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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After all, what society deems masculine changes over time, depending in large part on greater cultural and social forces.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
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Active Club members view themselves as defenders of Western civilization and masculine virtue.—
Art Jipson,
The Conversation,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Virile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virile. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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