Synonyms for
Sexes
Definition
The state of being male or female.
Synonyms & similar words
sexactivity
gender
arouse
sexualactivity
sex
sexuality
windup
turnon
sexualpractice
excite
sexualurge
gender
male/female
man/woman
masculine/feminine
boys/girls
guys/gals
dudes/chicks
he/she
him/her
Mr./Ms.
men/women
ladies/gentlemen
brothers/sisters
sons/daughters
husbands/wives
fathers/mothers
uncles/aunts
nephews/nieces
grandfathers/grandmothers
Synonyms by register
Formal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- opposite sexes
- both sexes
- different sexes
- same sexes
- between the sexes
- relations between the sexes
- the two sexes
Word family
noun sex
Usage note
While 'sexes' can refer to biological distinctions, it is often used more broadly to encompass gender. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.
Example sentences
- There are two sexes in the world, male and female.
- The doctor can tell the sex of a baby before it is born.
- Some animals can change their sex during their lifetime.
- In some countries, people can legally change their sex.
- The teacher divided the class into two groups based on sex.
Quotes
'The sexes are two. The things in which they differ from each other are many more.' - Aristotle
'The sexes are not fully intelligible, not even to each other.' - Iris Murdoch
'It is easy to understand why the cat has eclipsed the dog as modern America's favorite pet. People like pets to possess the same qualities they do. Cats are irresponsible and recognize no authority, yet are completely dependent on others for their material needs. Cats cannot be made to do anything useful. Cats are mean for the fun of it. In fact, cats possess so many of the same qualities as some people (expensive girlfriends, for instance) that it is often hard to tell the people and the cats apart.' - P.J. O'Rourke