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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Recent Examples of virile
As Henry, Damien Lewis is especially virile if privately conflicted and a sentimental drunk.
—
Elle Carroll, Vulture, 18 June 2024
Pitt’s sculpted physique remains a fitness ideal, and his virile performance is worshiped by pickup artists and incels.
—Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024
None of the show would carry the same effervescence without Armstrong, who at 52 years old is as virile and agile as ever.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 15 Sep. 2024
Judging by the sporting photos on his campaign website, Kennedy would like to be seen as the virile, athletic and spry choice for the White House.
—Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Virile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virile. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
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