1
as in coquettish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest
the previously demure maiden began making some surprisingly shocking remarks
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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
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Recent Examples of demure
Kate Middleton also contributed to the polka-dot revival with a demure dress from Alessandra Rich featuring a midi skirt, balloon cap sleeves and a high neck, picking out the garment for the Thanksgiving Service commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day earlier in May.
—
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 19 May 2025
One of the outfits, however, saw Madonna stepping out of her edgy comfort zone and into something more demure.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 18 June 2025
At the same time, a more demure set of scientists was quietly laying the foundation for the renovation of social Darwinism in mainstream biological thinking.
—Erik Baker, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
The steeliness that Lucy exudes, despite her almost demure exterior, is her emotional armor.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 19 May 2025
One of the outfits, however, saw Madonna stepping out of her edgy comfort zone and into something more demure.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 18 June 2025
At the same time, a more demure set of scientists was quietly laying the foundation for the renovation of social Darwinism in mainstream biological thinking.
—Erik Baker, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
The steeliness that Lucy exudes, despite her almost demure exterior, is her emotional armor.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
-
The 26-year-old All-Pro very publicly requested a trade from Dallas yesterday, and fellow Cowboys players were not shy about voicing their support for the star edge rusher.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Isabella Sermon will appear opposite Lowden as Georgiana, Mr. Darcy's shy and shockingly accomplished teenage sister.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Antoinette becomes a de facto leader when her meek husband crumbles under pressure.—
Los Angeles Times Staff,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
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The end of season 2 turned the tables on the meek Ada and domineering Agnes when Agnes lost her fortune thanks to her son Oscar (Blake Ritson) trusting the wrong people.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Again, the younger James offers a simple yet coy response.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 July 2025
-
When are Snack Wraps coming back to McDonald's? McDonald's is being coy about revealing when Snack Wraps will return.—
Chad Murphy,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, the intergenerational drama revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
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Everyone reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis: some men may want to talk openly, others may become quiet or withdrawn.—
Alex Apatoff,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Both Dunn’s and Watt’s stories exemplify two former standout NFL players who reached the pinnacle of their professions yet never forgot their humble beginnings, continuing to remain empathetic and grounded.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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The humble, yet nutrient-dense raspberry may reign supreme here, dietitians say.—
Christina Manian,
Health,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2023
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With a basis of flawless skin—smoothing and hydration offered via Kylie Skin Face Moisturizer and Eye Cream—Phillips pulled a thick wing of black liner along Jenner's lids, a diminutive wing beneath the lower lashline providing a kittenish complement.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
13 Sep. 2021
Adjective
-
The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
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There are dozens of people screaming his name and the young Ronaldo appears bashful and shy.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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The front is modest, but the oval cutout in the back gives it extra flair.—
Claire Harmeyer,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
The cognitive improvements found in studies were modest.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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