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
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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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 demure With regularity, Stewart gives the French luxury brand’s demure silhouettes and ultrafeminine fabrics a fresh perspective by actively pushing against them with masculine styling, punk haircuts, and an endless devotion to visible or nonexistent lingerie. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 16 May 2025 The original island, a demure slab of white, met code but failed on charisma. Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Although prospective jurors were not at court, Diddy kept up his demure outfit and demeanor. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 9 May 2025 The skirt also has a demure heart pattern that looks like pretty polka-dots from far away — a classic pattern that always sees the light of day in summer. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
  • The mogul has never been shy about expressing his ambitions.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
  • Instead of crunch, there’s an intense smoke flavor that’s just shy of overpowering, and a denseness similar to ham.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • That confidence paid off as Farrow received her first Tony nomination for her role as the initially meek homebody Sharon in the play by Jen Silverman, which ran at the Booth Theatre on Broadway from September through December 2024.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 31 May 2025
  • According to the latest report from L.A.’s film office, production days on location decreased more than 22 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared with an already meek period in 2024.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Tim Lammers The maybe-sort of answer is the latest in the coy responses the creative collaborators have given for months.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The Kremlin had been coy on whether the Russian president would attend the talks, with Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, sidestepping reporters’ questions on the topic.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • For children, especially, these stressors can quickly lead to meltdowns or withdrawn behavior.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • My main criticism is its withdrawn camera, which is set too far away from the action in most stages.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The humble statement was met with loud protests from all of his onstage colleagues, as well as Armisen.
    Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 4 June 2025
  • The humble bathroom scale has long been overdue to learn some new tricks.
    Christopher Null, Wired News, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.
    Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2023
  • 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
  • One time in particular, Fisher called him out for being a bit bashful about their Star Wars fame, Hamill recounted in a new interview on NPR's Fresh Air — like any good sister would.
    EW.com, EW.com, 4 June 2025
  • Cher was bashful to be busted but then couldn’t help laughing out loud at the audacity.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • My social media agency started with modest goals that seemed sensible for a new entrepreneur.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • His tombstone was flat and modest; people had left bouquets and stones.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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