What does "heterosexuality" mean?

The state of being sexually and romantically attracted primarily or exclusively to persons of the opposite sex.

Heterosexuality

Q: What is a synonym for "heterosexuality"?

Common synonyms include: autoeroticism, exhibitionism, fetishism, heterogenitality, heterosexualism, heterosexualness.

noun

noun ·8 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1
The state of being sexually and romantically attracted primarily or exclusively to persons of the opposite sex. uncountable, usually
2
a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the opposite sex wordnet
3
Sexual activity with a person of the opposite sex. uncountable, usually

Synonyms

All synonyms

autoeroticism exhibitionism fetishism heterogenitality heterosexualism heterosexualness

Antonyms

All antonyms

homogenitality homosexuality

Example

More examples

"Sexologists describe a gradual range between "pure" heterosexuality and "pure" homosexuality. In graphs, sexologists know that most people are situated in the middle bisexual range. The "gay-straight" artifice paradigm is reinforced by Abrahamic culture."

Etymology

From heterosexual + -ity or hetero- + sexuality.

Related phrases

compulsory heterosexuality

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.