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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shy
not comfortable around people
hesitant and demure, she hardly spoke a word at the banquet table
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in meekness
the absence of any feelings of being better than others
her excessive demureness will be to her disadvantage if she wants a career in show business
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demure
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
Adjective
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
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Allen also hasn't been shy with his praise for his now-wife, particularly her support of his football career.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Democrats, unable either to diagnose or to admit to their own failings, measured their victories in the meekest of triumphs, and seemed to have lost all sense of purpose, direction, and proportion.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Most Canadians want uncomplicated lives, a desire for calm that can be misinterpreted by louder people as meekness.—
Chris Jones,
The Atlantic,
14 Mar. 2025
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Standing next to a record player in a sports jacket and turtleneck, Kaufman, with a kind of bulging meekness, a glisteningly gleeful timidity, puts the needle on the record.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 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
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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
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For children, especially, these stressors can quickly lead to meltdowns or withdrawn behavior.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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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
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Improbably located right across the street from their humble abode is the upscale manse inhabited by the Falconers, a rich couple (Katherine Waterson, Chris Klein) who’ve raised only child Tiffany (Fina Strazza) to be a particularly stinging WASP.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
23 May 2025
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Each pits a young heroine of humble means against the formidable, possibly sinister lady of the estate; this time, that quintessential Nicole Kidman role is played by a serenely terrifying Julianne Moore.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Companies that act now—with humility, rigor and transparency—won’t just comply.—
Romain Pison,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Expertise demands lifelong humility, rigor and self-correction, much of it invisible to the public eye.—
Venktesh Ramnath,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 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
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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