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 There are many aspects of my personality that three-quarters of my audience has no idea about. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026 In this instance, though, rather than simply tapping into a viral internet personality, Chanel brought a story that had emerged organically from its own cultural footprint into the real world. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026 If the Timberwolves can be in the top three in the West, Edwards and his personality might be enough to give him the award. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Then, on Sunday, conservative social media personalities shared an unverified recording in which somebody appeared to call Ohio's Lindner Center of Hope to ask whether Talarico was checked in. — Josh Boswell, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • The power and presumptive veracity of celebrity statements and/or accusations; 2.
    — Janelle Ash , Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Here's how style experts and celebrities style the brown boots trend for fall, starting with timeless pairings and making our way up to trickier combos.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Chili’s clearly broken up over losing his CO job and, with it, his identity.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The new Marvel series will see the hero grapple with his identity and humanity while evading a bounty hunter and reuniting with his son.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Zeiss Dry Eye Relief Warm Eye Mask is single-use and self-heating, providing gentle warmth for at least 15 minutes without a microwave.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Ahmed was at once stranded in France and thriving in a world where nobody questioned his self-mythology.
    — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But even with such attitudinal strides, Pew Research shows that people’s fears about AI’s societal impact are high, and digital choirs hurl insults at any project featuring the tech.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … SOUR NOTE — Hayley Williams unleashes vulgar insult at DHS after agency defends ICE officers.
    — , FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Of late, Holloway’s inspirations have included figures from history, music stars, actors and socialites such as the Duke of Windsor, Bryan Ferry and Charlie Watts.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • George Pullar stars, co-writes with Taylor Danworth and produces with Michael Lawrence, John Molloy and Suzanne Walker.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Earlier versions looked unnaturally green, while the team also considered how the character’s skin would react to different lighting.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Coleman said each design has its own distinct character and can be styled individually, either as a subtle everyday detail or a sculptural statement.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In North Georgia’s mountains, autumn already is transforming ridges, forests and streambanks into dazzling palettes of reds, yellows, maroons and deep oranges — all part of nature’s annual leaf color spectacle.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • As nature trades its summer greens for a rich tapestry of amber, rust, burgundy, and gold, our wardrobes are following suit—and with all manner of vibrant, textured, statement-making accessories piled on top.
    — Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a hint of sarcasm in that statement, but also a dose of reality.
    — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Returning the sarcasm tends to cause the same problem, with two people annoyed instead of one.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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