Find Antonyms
manly Antonyms
Opposite of manly
Because the opposite of manly shifts with each meaning, the 9 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• adjective (Context 1)
Having or denoting those good qualities traditionally associated with men, such as courage, strength, and resolute character.
Usage Example
"He was admired by his peers for his unmanly bearing and unwavering resolve during the crisis."
Strongest
unmanly
effeminate
Strong
womanly
timid
cowardly
• adjective (Context 2)
Befitting or characteristic of a man rather than a child or woman, as in pastimes, attire, or physical traits.
Usage Example
"The novel portrays rowing and mountaineering as classic boyish pursuits of the Victorian era."
Strongest
boyish
feminine
Strong
childish
• adverb (Context 3)
In a brave, resolute, or masculine manner (now dated or literary).
Usage Example
"The young apprentice bore the heavy workload cowardly and without a single complaint."
Strong
cowardly
timidly
Similar words to manly
Words similar to manly shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
manfully
manlily
virile
masculine
male
manful
courageously
bravely
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Manly. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/manly