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 Indian distribution will be handled by media personality Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 July 2026 Rather, each personality was selected to reflect a different facet of the wider Alo community. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 22 July 2026 Anthropologie's home collection with chef, cookbook author and television personality Molly Yeh, launched Wednesday. ABC News, 22 July 2026 McAfee then responded to the speculation that his salary is affecting other ESPN personalities. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • Goodtime, originally with celebrity backing from musician Pharrell Williams and entertainment mogul David Grutman, was auctioned off by lenders in a foreclosure action earlier this year.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Even during the match, cameramen and directors were obsessed with seeking out celebrities.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Rockport’s artistic identity remains very much alive, with more than 30 galleries and the Rockport Art Association and Museum anchoring the local scene.
    Jenn Sinrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026
  • The youngest members of the team have bought in to the identity general manager Scott Perry and coach Doug Christie are trying to create.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • It is bound up with identity, memory, relationships, safety and the making of the self.
    Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Josh, a perpetual self-optimizer, is convinced that an upswing is just around the corner.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • The list of insults faced by those of us trying to live here is pretty lengthy already.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 21 July 2026
  • Supporters embraced the insult as a badge of resistance, turning it into a satirical political campaign that amassed more than 21 million Instagram followers in a few days.
    Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Blackwell is a 3-star prospect who committed to Clemson in May.
    Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
  • Four decades after buying his first ring, Goodall remains the man trusted by boxing’s biggest promoters and biggest stars.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Each chamber in the intimate inn has its own character, and pairs thoughtful amenities with tech-forward convenience.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
  • Mineral-rich soils can add structure and mouthfeel, while climate affects sweetness, body, floral character and astringency.
    Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • The article argues that AI's infrastructural nature necessitates open-weight distribution for widespread economic impact, as closed systems create friction that hinders adoption and customization, ultimately favoring open architectures.
    Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The discussions are the latest example of the increasingly circular nature of AI financing.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Widow’s Bay landed 19 nominations including for stars Matthew Rhys, Kate O’Flynn, in her incredible turn as eccentric assistant Patricia, Dale Dickey, for her chain-smoking sarcasm as Rosemary, and Stephen Root for his obstinate Wyck Crawford.
    Peter White, Deadline, 8 July 2026
  • Bluth family at the show's center, while Howard narrated the action with plenty of sarcasm.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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