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
Each side has a demure split that makes the dress more breathable, especially when the sun is beating down hard.
—
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025
The demure Italian gent and his tiny-waisted mistress.
—Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
For the more demure, go for a cheese that whispers rather than shouts.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The best way into the whole trend is to go with something more demure and less literal, perhaps: like a cocktail tray rimmed with glossy olives or wall art that traps your food of choice behind glass.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025
The demure Italian gent and his tiny-waisted mistress.
—Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
For the more demure, go for a cheese that whispers rather than shouts.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The best way into the whole trend is to go with something more demure and less literal, perhaps: like a cocktail tray rimmed with glossy olives or wall art that traps your food of choice behind glass.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
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The new 14-track collection ballasts her familiar dreamy, coquettish sound with vulnerability and anguish.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Aug. 2025
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Among the pretty-as-can-be linen dresses, ruffly, coquettish tops, and wide selection of denim on sale at Reformation right now, the surprising fashion category to snag during the brand’s summer sale is its repertoire of knits.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Playmakers available, underused Through eight quarters of Fitch’s offense, the 49ers haven’t been shy to spread the ball around.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Sep. 2025
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Maddie is a great vegetarian chef, but has always been too shy to cook in front of an audience.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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What threatened to be a meek, straight-sets exit for the 13th seed went full-metal crazy on match point down when Bonzi was interrupted from serving it out after a photographer absent-mindedly walked onto the court.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Social deficits can manifest as belligerent or meek.—
Tao Lin,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Kershaw has been coy about whether or not this will be his final season.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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The costars are coy about the finality of their deaths but are willing to indulge the hope that the Roses smell the gas and escape.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
31 Aug. 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.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Its irresistible hook is always the food, prepared with love and care, often at humble family-run operations that have been in business for generations.—
Leslie Kelly,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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The original movie saw the recent college graduate in the intense world of fashion and global media, juggling her humble past with a bright future while working as an assistant to Streep’s Priestly.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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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The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
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Her brand of studied, bashful flightiness began to seem more passé than winkingly subversive.—
Mayukh Sen,
The Atlantic,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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