Quick Answer
The most accurate synonyms and alternatives for masturbate include touch yourself, play with yourself, practise onanism, wank, jerk off, jack off, and toss yourself off. However, these expressions are not equal in tone. Masturbate is the standard neutral verb, while some alternatives are formal, euphemistic, British, American, slang, or historical.
Introduction
Looking for another word for masturbate? The right choice depends on what you are writing and who will read it.
English has several alternatives, but a good thesaurus should not treat every expression as an exact synonym. For example, masturbate is a standard neutral verb, while wank is slang and touch yourself is a softer, indirect expression.
This difference matters for students, ESL learners, teachers, bloggers, writers, and professionals. A word that sounds natural in casual dialogue may sound inappropriate in an academic essay. A historical expression may also be accurate but outdated in modern conversation.
This guide explains synonyms for masturbate by meaning, register, region, frequency, pronunciation, and context. It also shows when not to use each expression, so you can recognize these words without using the wrong one.
What Does Masturbate Mean?
Masturbate is a verb meaning to sexually stimulate yourself. Cambridge defines it as touching or rubbing the sexual organs to give yourself sexual pleasure. It can also be used transitively in a less common construction referring to stimulating another person.
Example:
The article discusses how the word masturbate is used in English.
The word is neutral enough for dictionaries, health education, academic writing, and general discussion.
Word forms
- masturbate = verb
- masturbated = past tense and past participle
- masturbating = present participle
- masturbation = noun
- masturbatory = adjective
- masturbator = noun referring to a person
Oxford lists masturbation and masturbatory as related forms.
Pronunciation
British English
/ˈmæs.tə.beɪt/
Approximate pronunciation:
MAS-tuh-bayt
American English
/ˈmæs.tɚ.beɪt/
Approximate pronunciation:
MAS-ter-bayt
Cambridge gives these separate UK and US pronunciations.
Quick Synonym Comparison
| Word or phrase | Type | Register | Regional note |
| masturbate | Direct term | Neutral | British & American |
| touch yourself | Euphemistic alternative | Informal | Broad English |
| play with yourself | Euphemistic alternative | Informal | Broad English |
| practise onanism | Historical/technical | Formal | Broad English |
| practise self-abuse | Historical alternative | Formal/dated | Broad English |
| self-stimulate | Related technical expression | Clinical | Broad English |
| self-stimulation | Related noun | Clinical | Broad English |
| self-pleasure | Softer expression | Neutral/informal | Modern usage varies |
| wank | Direct slang | Vulgar | Mainly British |
| jerk off | Direct slang | Vulgar | Mainly American |
| jack off | Direct slang | Vulgar | Mainly American |
| toss yourself off | Direct slang | Vulgar | Mainly British |
| whack off | Slang | Vulgar | Mainly American |
| beat off | Slang | Vulgar | Mainly American |
| rub one out | Euphemistic slang | Vulgar | Informal |
| beat the meat | Humorous slang | Vulgar | Informal |
| spank the monkey | Humorous slang | Vulgar | Informal |
| play with oneself | Euphemistic alternative | Informal | Broad English |
| onanism | Related noun | Formal/historical | Broad English |
| sexual self-stimulation | Technical phrase | Clinical | Broad English |
Important: The first group contains the most useful learner vocabulary. The later slang expressions are mainly useful for recognition, not formal writing.
The Most Accurate Synonyms and Alternatives
1. Masturbate
Meaning: To sexually stimulate yourself.
Tone: Neutral
Register: General, medical, academic, educational
Frequency: Very common compared with specialized alternatives
Learner level: Intermediate
Pronunciation: UK /ˈmæs.tə.beɪt/, US /ˈmæs.tɚ.beɪt/
Examples:
- The textbook explains how the verb masturbate is used.
- The researcher used the neutral term in the questionnaire.
Common collocations:
- masturbate regularly
- discuss masturbation
- masturbation research
Best used when: You need the clearest and most standard word.
When not to use it: There is usually no need to replace it simply because the topic is sensitive.
Key point: If you are unsure which synonym to choose, masturbate is normally the safest choice.
2. Touch Yourself
Meaning: An informal and indirect way to refer to masturbation.
Tone: Euphemistic
Register: Informal/spoken
Frequency: Common
Examples:
- The character uses touch yourself instead of the direct verb.
- The writer chose an indirect phrase for the dialogue.
Common collocations:
- touch yourself
- touching yourself
- don’t touch yourself
Best used when: Reproducing informal speech or explaining euphemisms.
When not to use it: Avoid it in academic writing when precise terminology is needed.
Collins lists touch yourself as an informal synonym.
3. Play With Yourself
Meaning: An informal euphemism for masturbation.
Tone: Indirect
Register: Informal
Frequency: Common
Examples:
- The phrase play with yourself appears in casual dialogue.
- The vocabulary lesson explains why the expression is indirect.
Common collocations:
- play with yourself
- playing with yourself
- phrase used as a euphemism
Best used when: Discussing informal or indirect language.
When not to use it: Do not use it in professional writing simply to sound polite.
Collins identifies it as an informal alternative.
4. Practise Onanism
Meaning: A formal or historical expression meaning to engage in masturbation.
Tone: Formal/historical
Register: Academic, historical
Frequency: Rare
Learner level: Advanced
Examples:
- The history book discusses changing attitudes toward onanism.
- The researcher explains the historical term before using it.
Common collocations:
- practise onanism
- historical views of onanism
- references to onanism
Best used when: Writing about historical texts, older medical language, or the history of sexuality.
When not to use it: Do not use it as your normal everyday replacement for masturbate.
Collins marks practise onanism as formal.
5. Practise Self-Abuse
Meaning: An older expression historically used for masturbation.
Tone: Dated
Register: Historical/formal
Frequency: Rare
Examples:
- The historian explains the older phrase self-abuse.
- Modern writers usually prefer clearer terminology.
Best used when: Discussing historical language.
When not to use it: Avoid presenting it as modern neutral vocabulary.
Collins includes practise self-abuse among its synonyms.
6. Self-Stimulate
Meaning: To stimulate oneself, especially sexually when the context makes that meaning clear.
Tone: Clinical
Register: Medical/academic
Frequency: Uncommon in ordinary conversation
Examples:
- The clinical article uses self-stimulation as a technical expression.
- The researcher defined the term before using it.
Common collocations:
- self-stimulate sexually
- sexual self-stimulation
- self-stimulating behavior
Best used when: A clinical or technical register is appropriate.
When not to use it: Do not assume it always means masturbation because stimulate has many meanings.
7. Self-Stimulation
Meaning: Stimulation of oneself; in a sexual context, it can refer to masturbation.
Tone: Clinical
Register: Medical/academic
Frequency: Common in specialist contexts
Examples:
- The textbook uses sexual self-stimulation as a technical phrase.
- The article separates self-stimulation from other forms of sexual behavior.
Best used when: Writing for a clinical or academic audience.
When not to use it: It is less direct than masturbation in general English.
8. Self-Pleasure
Meaning: A softer expression referring to sexual pleasure obtained through one’s own actions.
Tone: Soft/euphemistic
Register: Educational, wellness, informal
Frequency: Uncommon compared with masturbation
Examples:
- The article uses self-pleasure as a softer expression.
- The writer chose the phrase for a less clinical tone.
Best used when: A softer or indirect expression is specifically useful.
When not to use it: Do not present it as an exact replacement in every sentence.
9. Sexual Self Stimulation
Meaning: A technical phrase for sexually stimulating oneself.
Tone: Clinical
Register: Medical/academic
Frequency: Common in specialist contexts
Examples:
- The research paper discusses sexual self-stimulation.
- The textbook uses technical terminology throughout the chapter.
Best used when: Precision and clinical tone matter.
When not to use it: It can sound unnecessarily technical in ordinary conversation.
10. Wank
Meaning: A slang verb meaning to masturbate.
Tone: Vulgar
Register: Slang/spoken
Region: Mainly British and Commonwealth English
Frequency: Common in informal British usage
Pronunciation: /wæŋk/
Examples:
- The character uses wank because the dialogue is deliberately informal.
- The learner recognized the British slang term.
Best used when: Understanding British informal speech, literature, film, or online conversation.
When not to use it: Do not use it in school assignments, professional communication, or formal articles.
Cambridge and other dictionary sources identify wank as a rude or vulgar slang term.
11. Jerk Off
Meaning: A vulgar slang expression meaning to masturbate.
Tone: Vulgar
Register: Informal/slang
Region: Mainly American and Canadian English
Examples:
- The movie character uses jerk off in casual dialogue.
- The learner understood the expression but chose a neutral word in formal writing.
Best used when: Recognizing American informal English.
When not to use it: Avoid it in professional, academic, or polite communication.
Cambridge labels jerk off as offensive.
12. Jack Off
Meaning: A vulgar slang expression for masturbate.
Tone: Vulgar
Register: Informal/slang
Region: Mainly American English
Frequency: Common in informal speech
Examples:
- The writer used jack off only when discussing slang.
- The student learned the expression from American dialogue.
Best used when: Understanding informal American English.
When not to use it: Avoid it in formal writing.
13. Toss Yourself Off
Meaning: A British slang expression for masturbate.
Tone: Vulgar
Register: Slang
Region: British English
Examples:
- The British character uses a slang expression.
- The dictionary lesson explains its regional register.
Best used when: Understanding British slang.
When not to use it: Avoid it in professional and academic communication.
Collins lists this expression among the taboo slang alternatives to masturbate.
14. Whack Off
Meaning: A vulgar slang expression meaning to masturbate.
Tone: Vulgar
Register: Informal/slang
Region: Mainly American
Frequency: Uncommon
Best used when: Recognizing slang in informal American English.
When not to use it: Do not use it in formal or educational writing.
15. Beat Off
Meaning: An informal slang expression that can mean masturbate.
Tone: Vulgar
Register: Slang
Frequency: Uncommon
Best used when: Understanding slang in context.
When not to use it: Avoid it when you need clear neutral English.
16. Rub One Out
Meaning: A vulgar euphemism for masturbate.
Tone: Vulgar/euphemistic
Register: Slang
Frequency: Uncommon
Best used when: Recognizing informal dialogue.
When not to use it: Do not use it in formal writing.
17. Beat the Meat
Meaning: A humorous slang expression for masturbation.
Tone: Vulgar/humorous
Register: Informal slang
Frequency: Uncommon
Best used when: Understanding jokes or highly informal language.
When not to use it: Never choose it for professional or academic writing.
18. Spank the Monkey
Meaning: A humorous slang expression for masturbation.
Tone: Vulgar/humorous
Register: Slang
Frequency: Rare
Best used when: Recognizing humorous informal English.
When not to use it: Avoid it in serious communication.
19. Play With Oneself
Meaning: An indirect expression referring to sexual self-stimulation.
Tone: Euphemistic
Register: Informal
Frequency: Uncommon
Best used when: Discussing euphemisms or older informal language.
When not to use it: Avoid it when precision is important.
20. Onanism
Meaning: A formal or historical noun associated with masturbation.
Tone: Formal/historical
Register: Academic/historical
Frequency: Rare
Examples:
- The historical article discusses the concept of onanism.
- The author explains why the older term is less common today.
Best used when: Reading historical, religious, or academic material.
When not to use it: Do not use onanism as though it were simply the everyday noun masturbation.
Strongest vs. Related Alternatives
Strongest Direct Alternatives
These most clearly refer to the same act:
- masturbate
- wank
- jerk off
- jack off
- toss yourself off
- practise onanism
The major difference is register rather than basic meaning.
Euphemistic Alternatives
These are less direct:
- touch yourself
- play with yourself
- play with oneself
- self-pleasure
Technical or Broader Terms
These can overlap with the meaning but are not perfect one-word replacements:
- self-stimulate
- self-stimulation
- sexual self-stimulation
This distinction is important because a related term is not automatically an exact synonym.
British vs. American English
The standard verb masturbate is used in both British and American English.
The pronunciation differs slightly:
| Variety | Pronunciation |
| British | /ˈmæs.tə.beɪt/ |
| American | /ˈmæs.tɚ.beɪt/ |
Cambridge records both pronunciations.
British slang
Wank is strongly associated with British and Commonwealth English. Historical dictionary evidence also records it across several varieties of Commonwealth English.
American slang
Jerk off and jack off are strongly associated with American informal speech.
Learner tip
Knowing a slang word does not mean you should use it. For international communication, masturbation is much safer and clearer.
Word Origin and Etymology
The history of masturbation is more complicated than a simple “Latin word from 1855” explanation.
Oxford gives the word as mid-19th century, from Latin masturbat- and masturbari, while noting that the Latin origin itself is uncertain.
Collins gives 1855–60 for the English word and traces it to Latin masturbārī.
However, Etymonline records the English verb from 1839 and notes that the noun masturbation has a much older history, with earlier forms appearing centuries earlier.
Why do dates differ?
Historical dictionaries do not always use the same evidence or dating method. A word may appear in an older form before the modern spelling becomes established.
So the safest learner-friendly conclusion is:
Masturbate is a 19th-century English verb with a Latin origin of uncertain ultimate etymology, while related forms are much older.
Grammar: Masturbate vs. Masturbation
This is one of the most useful distinctions for English learners.
Verb
masturbate
The article discusses how the verb is used.
Noun
masturbation
The article discusses the vocabulary of masturbation.
Adjective
masturbatory
The text contains a masturbatory reference.
Person noun
masturbator
The word masturbator is a noun, not a synonym for the verb.
Oxford and Collins both recognize these related forms.
Commonly Confused Words
| Word | Meaning | Why it is different |
| masturbate | Verb for the act | Action |
| masturbation | Noun for the act | Thing/concept |
| masturbatory | Related adjective | Describes something |
| orgasm | Sexual climax | Not the same action |
| stimulate | A broad verb meaning to cause activity or response | Much broader meaning |
Example
Masturbate and orgasm are not synonyms.
Someone can discuss the act without referring to the result, so replacing one with the other can change the meaning.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Mistake: Using wank in an academic essay.
Correction: Use masturbate.
Why: Wank is slang and can be vulgar.
Mistake: Using jerk off in a professional email.
Correction: Use masturbate if the subject genuinely requires the word.
Why: Jerk off is offensive slang.
Mistake: Calling orgasm a synonym for masturbate.
Correction: Treat them as different concepts.
Mistake: Treating every WordHippo result as a recommended synonym.
Correction: Check register, frequency, and meaning before using a synonym.
This is especially important because large thesaurus databases can contain many slang or context-dependent expressions. WordHippo’s results demonstrate how broad such lists can become.
Choosing the Right Synonym
| Your situation | Best choice |
| Academic essay | masturbate |
| Health article | masturbate |
| Dictionary definition | masturbate |
| Professional communication | masturbate |
| General conversation | masturbate |
| Softer informal dialogue | touch yourself |
| Historical text | onanism / practise onanism |
| British slang recognition | wank |
| American slang recognition | jerk off / jack off |
| Clinical discussion | self-stimulation |
The simplest rule
Use “masturbate” when you want clear, neutral, standard English.
Use the other expressions only when their particular tone, history, or regional meaning matters.
Writing Tips for Students and Content Writers
Academic writing
Choose precise neutral vocabulary.
The study examines language related to masturbation.
Avoid unnecessary slang.
Blog writing
You can mention slang when it answers the reader’s question, but label it clearly.
For example:
Wank is a British slang term for masturbate.
That tells the reader both the meaning and the register.
Professional writing
Use standard terminology.
Do not choose slang simply because it appears in a thesaurus.
Creative writing
Slang can be appropriate in dialogue if it matches the character, location, and situation.
ESL learning
Do not memorize synonyms as one interchangeable group.
Instead, remember:
meaning + register + region + context
That is the difference between knowing a word and knowing how to use it.
Unique Learner Insight: The Synonym Ladder
One useful way to understand this vocabulary is to imagine a register ladder.
Neutral
masturbate
↓
Softer / indirect
touch yourself
play with yourself
↓
Technical
self-stimulate
sexual self-stimulation
↓
Historical/formal
practise onanism
↓
Slang
wank
jerk off
jack off
This method is more useful than simply memorizing a list because it tells you where each word belongs.
Corpus Style Collocations
Learners should also study words that naturally appear around the target term.
Common patterns include:
- masturbate regularly
- masturbate frequently
- masturbate alone
- discuss masturbation
- masturbation research
- masturbation habits
- frequency of masturbation
- attitudes toward masturbation
- sexual self-stimulation
- historical views of masturbation
Why collocations matter
A synonym may have the correct dictionary meaning but still sound unnatural in a particular sentence.
That is why good vocabulary learning involves words in context, not isolated lists.
Mini Practice
Fill in the blanks
- The neutral verb is ______.
- The British slang term is ______.
- The American slang expression is ______.
- The noun form is ______.
- A historical term is ______.
Answers
- masturbate
- wank
- jerk off
- masturbation
- onanism
Rewrite the Sentences
Sentence 1
The character used the slang expression jerk off.
Rewrite it using neutral vocabulary.
Answer:
The character used the neutral verb masturbate.
Sentence 2
The article repeatedly uses wank.
Rewrite it for an academic audience.
Answer:
The article repeatedly uses masturbate.
FAQ`s
What is another word for masturbate?
The closest alternatives include touch yourself, play with yourself, practise onanism, wank, jerk off, jack off, and toss yourself off. They differ greatly in register. Masturbate is the standard neutral choice, while several alternatives are slang, euphemistic, historical, or regional.
What is the formal synonym for masturbate?
Practise onanism is a formal and historical alternative listed by Collins. Self-stimulation can also work in clinical or academic contexts, but it is broader than the direct verb masturbate. For most formal writing, masturbate remains the clearest choice.
Is “wank” a synonym for masturbation?
Yes. Wank is a slang verb meaning to masturbate, especially associated with British and Commonwealth English. It is vulgar or offensive in many contexts, so English learners should mainly recognize it rather than use it in formal communication.
Is “jerk off” a synonym for masturbate?
Yes. Jerk off is an informal and vulgar expression meaning to masturbate. It is especially associated with American English. Cambridge labels it offensive, so it is inappropriate for formal writing, professional communication, and polite conversation.
Is “jack off” a formal word?
No. Jack off is slang and should not be used as a formal replacement for masturbation. It may appear in informal American dialogue, films, fiction, or online conversations. For academic, medical, or professional writing, masturbate is the better choice.
Is “masturbation” the noun form of “masturbate”?
Yes. Masturbate is the verb and masturbation is the noun. For example, The article discusses how people masturbate uses the verb, while The article discusses masturbation uses the noun. Cambridge identifies masturbation as the related noun.
Is “orgasm” another word for masturbation?
No. Masturbate describes an action, while orgasm describes a sexual climax. The words can occur in the same context, but they have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
What is the best synonym for masturbate in an essay?
The best choice is usually to masturbate itself. It is direct, standard, and neutral. Using slang such as wank or jerk off can make an essay sound inappropriate. A technical expression such as self-stimulation may work when the subject requires specialist terminology.
Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which is the best neutral verb?
A. wank
B. jerk off
C. masturbate
D. spank the monkey
Answer: C
2. Which word is mainly associated with British slang?
A. wank
B. masturbate
C. self-stimulation
D. masturbation
Answer: A
3. Which is the noun form?
A. masturbatory
B. masturbate
C. masturbation
D. masturbated
Answer: C
4. Which word is NOT a synonym for masturbate?
A. wank
B. jack off
C. orgasm
D. touch yourself
Answer: C
5. Which expression is most suitable for historical discussion?
A. beat the meat
B. jerk off
C. onanism
D. jack off
Answer: C
Conclusion
Learning synonyms for masturbate is really about learning word choice. The standard verb masturbate is the clearest neutral option, while expressions such as touch yourself, practise onanism, wank, and jerk off carry different tones, regions, and levels of formality.
For better English, do not simply memorize more synonyms. Learn when each word belongs. That skill will help you write clearer essays, articles, conversations, and professional content.
References
- Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, masturbate.
- Cambridge Dictionary, masturbate and pronunciation.
- Collins English Dictionary and Thesaurus, masturbate.
- Dictionary.com, masturbate.
- Etymonline, masturbate / masturbation etymology.
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