1
as in coquettish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest
the previously demure maiden began making some surprisingly shocking remarks
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in shy
not comfortable around people
hesitant and demure, she hardly spoke a word at the banquet table
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in meek
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness
wore a very demure outfit to the interview for the job at the church's headquarters
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demure
While she’s been spotted with bolder manicures during her Life of a Showgirl era—from chunky French tips to an orange sparkling cinnamon set—this latest look is a bit more demure.
—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2026
Mattieu Blazy's latest for the Parisian House is simultaneously demure and completely see-through in his couture debut.
—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
27 Jan. 2026
This sensibility is wonderfully demure (to use the mot du jour) and understated, letting the true star—the sweeping views of Portofino Bay, glimpsed through the doors to the balconies—really shine.
—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Sofia the First boasts a princess who is not demure, but instead loves adventure and stands up for what’s right.
—
Taylor Grothe,
Parents,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2026
Mattieu Blazy's latest for the Parisian House is simultaneously demure and completely see-through in his couture debut.
—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
27 Jan. 2026
This sensibility is wonderfully demure (to use the mot du jour) and understated, letting the true star—the sweeping views of Portofino Bay, glimpsed through the doors to the balconies—really shine.
—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Sofia the First boasts a princess who is not demure, but instead loves adventure and stands up for what’s right.
—
Taylor Grothe,
Parents,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
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With sheer fabrics, lightweight materials, and vintage touches, Bella Hadid succumbed to the most coquettish piece of the moment.
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The desire for mental stimulation, variety and excitement is undeniable, but beneath all of the coquettish energy, something vulnerable is also starting to unfold.
Adjective
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The final attendance number fell just shy of a sellout at 68,391.
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On Thursday, the EU Council formally adopted two regulations that officially enact the tariff commitments established last August, completing the legislative process just days shy of the July 4 deadline.
Adjective
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Contrasting her with the meek, mysterious, and passive Anthy, the series examines the constrictions both men and women face via traditional gender roles, with an eye towards gender fluidity that remains radical today.
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The series centers on Cha Myung-jo, a meek worker at a company producing imitation character stickers who, despite nominally heading his household, lives in the shadow of his far more capable wife.
Adjective
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Park, hitherto a fount of articulate thoughts, is suddenly coy.
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The mayor didn’t play coy when asked if he was invited and attending the wedding.
Adjective
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Such movement was not mirrored on the Netherlands’ right, where the attack-minded Denzel Dumfries was playing a more withdrawn role.
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Without daily contact with peers, some children become more withdrawn, lonely or emotionally flat.
Adjective
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Some Wordlers also play Competitive Wordle against friends, family, the Wordle Bot or even against me, your humble narrator.
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Oxygen transfer involves several interacting processes; many of them converge at the humble cork.
Adjective
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Simply brushing them out of your eyes can feel like a coquettish, kittenish gesture!
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Seductively kittenish, Gardner lives up to her profane reputation.
Adjective
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Overall and head-to-head goal differential are tiebreakers for group placement, and the Norwegians won’t be bashful about scoring as many times as possible.
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Brock Purdy isn’t bashful about the 49ers’ potential.
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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