Definition of dispositionnext
1
2
3
as in removal
the getting rid of whatever is unwanted or useless we'll have to find some means for the disposition of all of this junk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disposition distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of disposition are character, personality, temperament, and temper. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one.

a cheerful disposition

When is it sensible to use character instead of disposition?

While the synonyms character and disposition are close in meaning, character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents.

strength of character

When could personality be used to replace disposition?

The words personality and disposition are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.

a somber personality

When might temper be a better fit than disposition?

While in some cases nearly identical to disposition, temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations.

a resilient temper

When is temperament a more appropriate choice than disposition?

The words temperament and disposition can be used in similar contexts, but temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization.

an artistic temperament

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 disposition And at the same time, the state will submit its response, which could include a motion for summary disposition. Alex Brizee july 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026 That gives the Oakland Democrat considerable power to kill even politically popular measures, and that means stakeholders pay close attention for any clue toward her disposition on bills. Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026 About a decade ago, cremation surpassed traditional burial as the most popular method of disposition in the United States. John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 The City Council approved the ground lease and property disposition agreement by a 3-2 vote in late April, prompting the referendum campaign. Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disposition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disposition
Noun
  • For Ozener, the deal was as much about temperament as capital.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The film leans on the cafe’s constant churn of strangers coming and going to draw out each character’s voice, temperament and quirks at a brisk clip.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The ultimate challenge is winning backing from rural states and from Republicans with little inclination to lift a finger for left-leaning Hollywood.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • While your first inclination might be to use a face or body scrub, dermatologists recommend a gentle moisturizer packed with rich emollients and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
    Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Motherland Party filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court, demanding its removal from the ballot, accusing Yabloko of copyright infringement and exceeding campaign spending limits.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • He was detained in March last year and deported to El Salvador, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and other administration officials, later admitted that the removal was due to a clerical error.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • One is called Palindrome meaning a word, phrase, number or sequence of symbols that reads the same backward as forward.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But for Paterson, the most challenging scene was the opening sequence with a young Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp, who was only 11 years old when Stranger Things debuted in 2016.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The agreement Hansen describes would be a much larger legal matter than a standard screening NDA, and would not be asked of other individuals screening the film — including press and third-party marketing agencies.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Other notable laws passed this legislative session included a ban on 287(g) agreements and the Maryland Community Trust Act.
    Dennis Valera, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • On Tuesday night, Johnson tried to temper expectations in Beulah.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Raised by servants and educated by an uncle, Sade was a spoiled child with a temper and a taste for rebellion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • However, the Jets feel that Klubnik has good mental processing and the aptitude for explosive plays downfield.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Many of its rites can be performed by anyone, but there have often been individuals with a special aptitude for and knowledge of these practices.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The man had been shot during a volatile time in the city, and the disposal of his body appears to have been planned.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Strategy has sold 6,948 bitcoin for approximately $432 million since May, beginning with 32 coins in its first disposal since 2022, and recent sales priced near $64,262 against an average purchase price of $75,385.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disposition. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on disposition

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster