Definition of personalitynext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word personality distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of personality are character, disposition, temperament, and temper. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.

a somber personality

When is it sensible to use character instead of personality?

Although the words character and personality have much in common, character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents.

strength of character

In what contexts can disposition take the place of personality?

In some situations, the words disposition and personality are roughly equivalent. However, disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one.

a cheerful disposition

When would temper be a good substitute for personality?

While in some cases nearly identical to personality, temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations.

a resilient temper

When is temperament a more appropriate choice than personality?

The words temperament and personality can be used in similar contexts, but temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization.

an artistic temperament

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of personality The young man who first came into our universe as a comical and sensitive personality developed into a force who would become a two-time champion, and he will be sorely missed. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 The model and social media personality had campaigns, camera presence and the kind of look that could make people pause — especially in the traditional society of the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Advertorial, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 In the vein of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, the series brings to life the personalities and color behind the races. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 But after nearly a decade of all-white cabinetry, designers say homeowners are craving something with a little more warmth and a lot more personality. Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • In the time since her sudden death, celebrities publicly mourning include Viola Davis, Selma Blair, and Rosie O’Donnell.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But that enchantment began long before the beach clubs and celebrity sightings.
    Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The identity of the shooting victim or the person who was detained has not been released.
    Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Lowery’s identity was released after his case was transferred to adult court, Bruckhart said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Portkey monetizes observability, Kong sells a broader API platform, and LiteLLM can be self-hosted.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • With fatter paychecks, customers are rebelling against the chains that serve up shrinkflation and replace workers with broken self-checkout machines and touchscreen kiosks.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Whether that’s a compliment or an insult depends on your perspective.
    Omar Kelly August 17, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The Fantasy Football Draft is that magical stretch of hours where friends, enemies and division nemesis all cram into one room to sling insults with the confidence of seasoned analysts.
    Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The one-time child star had spoken openly about navigating addiction and postpartum depression in her adult life, documenting those struggles as well as the painful loss of her brother in a memoir released this year.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the book, the star detailed her prolific and sometimes difficult career in show business; growing up under the harsh light of Hollywood; and the highs and lows of filming hit TV shows like Heroes and Nashville, and more.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • And magically, the architects and designers have achieved this without compromising its unique character.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Captivated by the unknown, meeting characters as elusive as those in a Homer epic, Niaz sets in motion an irreversible process of self-transformation.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • His clubhouse presence and offensive output have carried the Nats thus far, and if the decision goes awry, both could be disrupted by the public nature of the in-season move.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The unusual nature of the case has attracted national attention and debate.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The other presidents had some semblance of comedic appreciation, whether through cynicism, irony, sarcasm, joke-telling, joke appreciation or storytelling.
    John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Like all of Roth’s content, there is a mix of dead seriousness, dry sarcasm, and wondrous joy in equal measure.
    Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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