1
as in coquettish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest
the previously demure maiden began making some surprisingly shocking remarks
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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 demure Italian gent and his tiny-waisted mistress.
—
Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
While Indianapolis 500 fans have never been known for their demure behavior, those who watch the race from the Snake Pit have long had a reputation for being the rowdiest of the rowdy.
—Shari Rudavsky, IndyStar, 23 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for demure
Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
While Indianapolis 500 fans have never been known for their demure behavior, those who watch the race from the Snake Pit have long had a reputation for being the rowdiest of the rowdy.
—Shari Rudavsky, IndyStar, 23 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
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Leaving thousands of cases behind Former Judge Angela Munro received the email in April notifying her that her employment would be terminated and placed on administrative leave — just a few days shy of the end of her two-year probationary period.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
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And as the Phillies look for a solution, the manager won't be shy about his expectations for composure on the mound.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Subsequently, Pakistan also bargained down the new American tariffs on its goods from 29% to 19% — relatively meek next to India’s rate.—
Andreas Kluth,
Mercury News,
14 Aug. 2025
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That 19% share is meek compared with where U.S. investors are most intensely busy – in states with small populations and tourism hooks.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
The real Democratic conversation about a post-Trump agenda won’t get underway until 2027, when their presidential candidates stop being so coy about what brought them to Charleston and Nashua.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
18 July 2025
-
After the former Philadelphia Eagles player saw his brother's reaction, Travis gave him a coy shrug.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
13 July 2025
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.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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The film stars Mark Feuerstein as Rabbi Mo, a humble leader in a high-desert Jewish community who is thrust into the role of reluctant warrior after a violent attack shakes his world.—
Eric E. Harrison,
Arkansas Online,
14 Aug. 2025
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The rookie apologized to his father, Deion Sanders, and even offered some humble remarks on his outing.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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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Disney’s initial press information on the Elio 4K Blu-ray suggests that the film is going to appear on a high-capacity 100GB disc, despite its modest 98-minute run time.—
John Archer,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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The average household income is a more modest $216,465.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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