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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unman
Verb
  • Fear Of Failure: High-stakes environments can paralyze even the most capable leaders.
    Jackie Simon, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The undiluted isolationism of his campaign messaging could prove to be a straitjacket that paralyzes the Trump administration’s foreign policy at a critical time.
    Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Bystanders are discouraged or prevented from recording, restricting the how many of these interactions appear on social media.
    Hannah Peart, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • To avoid discouraging students, some school districts did away with D and F grades.
    Karin Klein, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • But Hanks does commendable supporting work as a nerdy FBI agent on Abagnale’s trail — essentially playing the sort of conventional square whose mediocre life frightens the restless, rootless Abagnale.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
  • There is little evidence wolves frighten elk merely by their presence, the authors say.
    ByVirginia Morell, science.org, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • But one of the smart pleasures of Walden is to watch its author gently frustrate the dramatic assumptions that filter in from A Streetcar Named Desire.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Several counties statewide face a lengthy, two-page ballot that is likely to frustrate voters and lead to lines at the polls.
    The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Zoom out: Human rights advocates see President-elect Trump's win as a major cause for alarm, terrified that federal legislation will follow suit of some states by threatening access to gender-affirming care, workplace protections and participation in sports.
    Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Grace was losing it: her peace, her grip, her ability to stand upright after spending so long hunched over and terrified.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The girls are locked up with male inmates who are only too happy to harass and intimidate them and can only count on each other to make it through the days.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Getting to know a new boss can be intimidating, so try to find some commonalities— and put yourself out there to make a good first impression.
    Essence, Essence, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Vladimir Putin’s nuclear saber-rattling is scaring investors SURPRISING DISCOVERIES AI models watch TV just like people.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The record-high prices last year might have scared away some fans from attending, but the Las Vegas Grand Prix and hotels around the track have made some adjustments this year, hoping to bring out an even larger crowd.
    Sunny Tsai, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Only Adam is so emasculated by the stick, and Peter unwilling to do anything on the day’s shoot other than nod — as previously agreed — that the scene goes unshot.
    Jack King, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2024
  • Alternately, this man is taking good care of the home and family for his suffragist wife, but he’s thus emasculated.
    Natalie Kinkade, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2024
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near unman

Cite this Entry

“Unman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unman. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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