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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demure
The video includes footage of old-fashioned American air travel, which is depicted as being elegant and demure.
—
Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2025
Ali Larter goes for demure hues while in New York on Nov. 10.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025
For accessories, the lady bag, the soft clutch, demure lady-like pumps at Chanel and Dior, the fringe mule, the rose shoe at Dior and Givenchy and thong sandals.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
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
Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2025
Ali Larter goes for demure hues while in New York on Nov. 10.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025
For accessories, the lady bag, the soft clutch, demure lady-like pumps at Chanel and Dior, the fringe mule, the rose shoe at Dior and Givenchy and thong sandals.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
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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Soft blush and ivory tones, satin bows, lace details and dainty ornaments make your space feel dreamy and coquettish.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
18 Dec. 2025
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Kardashian's coquettish bow headband was a surprisingly traditional and festive look for the All's Fair star, who generally prefers a sleeker hairstyle or long, loose waves versus sweet or cheeky accessories.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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His previous career high was 56, which was one shy of the 6A record (the classification for the largest schools).—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
15 Jan. 2026
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Molina Healthcare added almost 2%, and UnitedHealth ticked up just shy of 1%.—
Michelle Fox,Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Just a meek statement requesting support for peaceful protest from the same regime that will imprison its citizens even for the thought of it.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
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Born in a stable among animals, Jesus entered the world humble and meek, not with the grandeur of a king.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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But the sleekness, the coy refusal to play the big and obvious dress game, propelled the look into a new definition of cool.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
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As for a tactical profile, Wells was a bit coy in delving into specifics, but the Rapids raved about the presentations.—
Tom Bogert,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Singer Island has a humble personality, with more reverence for its natural beauty and less regard for glamorous perfection than its southern neighbor.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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This humble ingredient is a powerhouse in all kinds of cooking.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Seductively kittenish, Gardner lives up to her profane reputation.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2023
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Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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Next was a bashful grad student from Columbia’s engineering school who could not make eye contact.—
The Editors,
Curbed,
15 Dec. 2025
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If a good time is picking up steam, San Diegans aren’t bashful about jumping on a Happy Train’s caboose.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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