Definition of dispositionnext
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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

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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 Splashed across surfaces and accessories, the color establishes a sunny disposition, no matter the locale. Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026 Their books demonstrate that preparing for the future requires understanding the past and developing a patient, attentive disposition toward the here and now. Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026 Knauf developed this disposition throughout the tenure of his career, which began in product management. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 18 May 2026 Curiosity — the disposition to keep searching even when the AI has given you a good enough answer. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for disposition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disposition
Noun
  • Instead, attachment behaviors evolve with a child’s temperament, environment, and the parent–child relationship.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 June 2026
  • Her temperament plays a big role, too.
    Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Courtesy of Focus Features & CBS Despite its inclination toward the otherworldly, the original Twilight Zone created by TV pioneer Rod Serling was, at its core, about the weakness of human nature.
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • Maybe because there’s some cultural inclination toward making an idiosyncratic mark on one’s little corner.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • His current attorneys argue that Karki pleaded guilty without knowing that a felony could invalidate his green card and put him in removal proceedings.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Confirm the snow shovel (and a backup) is in good working order to last through the season for manual snow removal.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Having said that, for me the movie is at its best as a chase thriller — a sequence in which O’Connor escapes a remote farmhouse is particularly well-executed.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • Just eight phylotypes appeared on more than 70% of participants, and those dominant lineages accounted for roughly a third of all bacterial sequences detected.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • As part of the distribution agreement, the slate will also roll out in mainland China via Xiaohongshu, the digital lifestyle platform whose daily active user base tops 200 million.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 June 2026
  • Five of those six convictions, including Teahan’s case, have ended with plea agreements before trial.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • So is his temper, which accelerates from zero to 60 in an instant.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • Those moments led to Game 3 at Madison Square Garden where tempers flared early.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • But while Josh is a magnet for easy jabs about NPR tote bags and Sierra Club memberships, there’s almost nothing in his storylines to suggest an aptitude for or even interest in the work of actual journalism.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 2 June 2026
  • During the regular season, both were among the top seven NBA teams by defensive rating, and the Knicks particularly improved by that defensive aptitude as the season went on.
    John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • There are rules for the proper display and disposal of the flag.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
  • However, some higher-end models have built-in food-waste disposals, and pre-rinsing is not as efficient as scraping for modern dishwashers.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disposition. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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