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
  • The widespread arrests have paralyzed parts of the city where high numbers of immigrants work, such as the Flower District downtown.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • The toe-biter’s venom first paralyzes its prey and then dissolves its insides.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Bailey made headlines leading up to the draft by reportedly discouraging Philadelphia from selecting him, and even attempted to do the same with Utah.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • President Snow, facing growing unrest across the nation as a result of the pair’s joint victory, demands that Katniss and Peeta pretend to be in love during their Victory Tour to discourage any rebellions.
    Kelly Martinez Published, EW.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • But their return has also angered and frightened livestock farmers and others in rural communities who are having to learn to live alongside these once nearly-extinct creatures.
    Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 9 July 2025
  • But on Friday night, the booms and blasts of celebratory fireworks appear to have frightened them away.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Williams often got frustrated with him and told him to be quiet.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Others are frustrated by the sheer volume of low-effort AI content flooding their feeds.
    Zach Vallese, CNBC, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Paired with the gray-ish green color palette, sparse decor, and dark atmospherics in the Institute itself, the bleak vibes may be enough to turn some viewers off for good, especially those horror purists who tune in hoping to be terrified rather than just bummed out.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 July 2025
  • In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • But moving from being a casual fan into understanding the intricacies of tennis can be intimidating.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Although new gardeners often find coming up with a design intimidating, there are existing templates to work from.
    Special to The Denver Post, Denver Post, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The combination of a floodlight and a camera is a great way to scare off intruders and get better quality footage at night.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • Simply pull the pin, and the device will emit a blaring siren sound in combination with a strobe light that will draw attention to your situation and scare away would-be threats.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 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 Jul. 2025.

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