SISSY Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

sissy 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sissy

as in feminine

of or relating to a man who has or displays qualities traditionally considered more suitable for women thought it was sissy for a boy to like flowers

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sissy

2 of 2

noun

ˈsi-sē

as in coward

a person who shows a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger the candidate touts his wartime service as evidence that he is not a sissy

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of sissy

Noun

Until the 19th century, most Westerners, including European royalty, ate with their knives (and considered Italians to be sissies for using forks). — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026 The irony is that a minority once viewed as filled with sissies and losers is now portrayed as filled with bullies and power brokers, and straight people, especially men, seem to perceive themselves as the weak and afraid ones. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 The sissy occupied a place between masculinity and femininity and almost always existed in service of the surrounding straight characters as well as the predominately hetero audience, for whom the sissy was a reliable source of humor. — Rich Juzwiak, Time, 21 Jan. 2026 This acting medium is not 4 sissies. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 Her little sister’s third birthday, then my 27th birthday, our Christmas Eve tradition, the first time in seven years of not seeing or hearing the excitement opening gifts from Santa and sissy. — Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2022 Real Housewives, like old age in the Betty Davis adage, is not for sissies and Sutton is more of a sissy than me at 6 years old going as Truman Capote for Halloween. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 2 June 2021 There's this emphasis placed on gay people being well groomed and into high fashion, having high voices and being weak or sissies. — Jeneé Osterheldt, kansascity, 16 Mar. 2018 Giving birth isn’t for sissies, after all—and some mothers go to extremes raising their offspring. — National Geographic, 13 May 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sissy

Adjective

First championed on the spring 2026 runways at Chloé, Victoria Beckham, and Miu Miu, the sweet, ultra-feminine frock has since taken over street style.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
For instance, try balancing out the rugged look with feminine shorts like the LyreBird Silken Lace-Trim Shorts.

— Tessa Petak, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of feminine

Noun

To me, the most notable change — outside of Robert not getting fully naked, you cowards — is that the meltdown is witnessed by much more of the senior class.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
The mythmaking rebellion of Tekena, first of her name, for the sake of a coward’s love was as recognizable to her descendants as their need to cross borders, both ethnic and geographic, in search of a happiness that wasn’t promised.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of coward

Adjective

The term kothi applies to a broad category of people assigned male at birth who are effeminate to varying degrees and might engage in same-sex relationships, but do not live in separate communities.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
One of the earliest of American masculinity influencers was President Theodore Roosevelt, who touted his own transformation from a timid, effeminate man – local presses mocked him in his early career – to a rugged outdoorsman.

— Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026

Definition of effeminate

Adjective

For Marius’ friend, police chief Silviu (Alex Conovaru), such solicitude is weak and unmanly.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Why beef culture and agriculture matter in Texas Some of Talarico's critics seemed to be ripping on his manhood, referencing his support for the LGBTQ+ community, along with the purportedly unmanly notion of having, at one time, eschewed meat.

— Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Definition of unmanly

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sissified

sissy

sister

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“Sissy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sissy. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sissy

adjective

noun

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