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 Before filing the Order to Show Cause, the Enforcement Division gives the subject the opportunity to resolve the matter through a disposition agreement. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026 Armed with a microphone and a sunny disposition, Burleson quickly went viral on TikTok for his quippy, man-on-the-street style interviews, amassing over two million followers. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026 That disposition is partly rooted in historical memory. Ali Wyne, Time, 23 Mar. 2026 If conservatism is something of an inclination or disposition, leftism of the more radical sort is a form of all-consuming identity, one that fills vacuums in otherwise empty lives and comprehensively guides behavior. Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disposition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disposition
Noun
  • Personal Brand – The differences in temperament and tactics are stark.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Some research has indicated that parenting styles are influenced by parental personality traits, the child's temperament, social support, and partner satisfaction.
    Kelley King Heyworth, Parents, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Even in the present tense, the characters express no political opinions, taste in movies and music, hobbies—or backstories that shape such inclinations.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Mamdani has thus far shown no inclination to act differently.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Sandra Cazzola said the removal of the original crosswalk carried symbolic weight for the LGBTQ community.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The Board of Immigration Appeals issued the final order of removal on Thursday, according to Khalil’s lawyers.
    Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hart will, however, address the pair of 20-point comebacks the Knicks pulled off en route to the conference finals for the first time in a quarter-century, a sequence of bizarre events many called a fluke.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The robot is built to manage continuous task sequences efficiently.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The agreements ⁠— made with Epstein’s Southern Trust Company ⁠— were signed by executives of the Swiss bank and de Rothschild.
    Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal is citing senior American negotiators and officials as saying chances of an agreement with Iran by tonight's deadline are slim.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The President is, after all, known for his volatile temper and for holding grudges.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Hurley is obviously more well-known than Underwood after back-to-back titles at UConn in 2023 and 2024, and his temper tantrums with officials are legendary.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Rangers have shown greater aptitude against four-seamers in this six-game sample size to begin the season.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Flutie played beyond his physical abilities partly because of his aptitude.
    Dan Pompei, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Nest Burger at 2540 East Plano Parkway Suite was temporarily closed after inspectors observed a lack of adequate sewage disposal facilities in the kitchen causing an immediate public health hazard.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The approach, this time combined with an effort to improve trash disposal, is part of a new pilot that will launch in the coming weeks.
    Jenny Gathright, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disposition. Accessed 11 Apr. 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