1
as in degenerate
having lost forcefulness, courage, or spirit
the soft, effete society that marked the final years of the Roman empire
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2
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
the outdoor adventure program takes effete youths and turns them into hardy campers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in weakened
lacking strength of will or character
the governor is too effete to take on the powerful special interests that really run this state
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4
as in feminine
of or relating to a man who has or displays qualities traditionally considered more suitable for women
wore a slightly more effete style of clothing in those days
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of effete
In this view, other European immigrants were unsuitable for civilizing the frontier—Southern Europeans were effete and decadent while Eastern European Jews were hapless in the woods and better-suited to urban, commercial spaces.
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Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2025
Jesus Christ’s preaching of love and kindness and forgiveness is seen as weak and effete.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025
This is bad enough, but then there’s the wide gulf of sensibility that separates Rock and Martin; the latter’s effete irony just doesn’t gel with Rock’s political trenchancy.
—Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
The Portnoy in the pizza videos often has a preening, fussy, almost effete quality that complicates his butch self-image.
—Willy Staley, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effete
Adjective
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Michael Rubin, the founder and chief executive officer of Fanatics, describes himself as a scrappy entrepreneur, someone who doesn’t read and a degenerate gambler.—
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In two minutes of ranting and raving about his degenerate son’s twenty-six-thousand-dollar dinner bill, Reiner gave an indelible comedic performance destined to be quoted for years to come.—
Adjective
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Its formula of ceramides, astaxanthin, and arginine strengthen, provide elasticity, and heal weak or broken hair.—
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These winds could occasionally trigger minor (G1-level) geomagnetic storm activity, though displays are expected to be weaker and more sporadic than those seen over the weekend.—
Adjective
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Most people who get sick recover within a week, but infections can be severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.—
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Most healthy people recover without treatment, but severe illness can occur in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.—
Adjective
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For men, engaging with cosmetic surgery or tweakments to enhance appearance was, until recently, perceived as a largely feminine endeavor.—
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Style them with dainty socks or sheer tights for a feminine, fashion-forward look, or keep things simple with clean, white ankle socks, denim, or an easy day dress.—
Adjective
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Inside, Kathryn Newton mingled with Chace Crawford near a decadent charcuterie spread and a piano mysteriously strewn with bread rolls and roses.—
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Coming in a decadent chocolate-brown shade, this best-selling top will transcend the season to get ample wear year-round.—
Adjective
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The feeble job market may be keeping wage growth subdued, some economists point out.—
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The reality is that although Venezuela has vast reserves—about 17% of the entire planet’s oil is under Venezuelan soil—its production is feeble.—
Adjective
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Between its dig-free straps, silky-soft performance fabric, and light Spanxsmooth compression, this one-and-done outfit is a unicorn of travel-friendly pieces, offering all-day comfort in one singular silhouette that’s just as easy to style under a cardigan, zip-up, or jacket.—
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Shoppers agree the set feels ultra-soft.—
Adjective
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Phil initially teases Peter for being weak and effeminate.—
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So in a move that no one had approved, Wayans put on an effeminate voice for the character in hopes Executive Producer Lorne Michaels would be angry.—
Cite this Entry
“Effete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effete. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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