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 His fierce disposition in competition — the scowl, the pumping of fists and the guttural yells after big plays — came in stark contrast to his off-court good nature and broad grins. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026 The suspension will last until the end of her term in office or the final disposition of the case. Dan Raby, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 The first summary disposition hearing was held by SOAH Thursday morning. Samuel O’Neal 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026 The click-clack, click-clack of a mill that operated around the clock would serve as either a constant nuisance or soothing white noise, depending on one’s disposition. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disposition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disposition
Noun
  • Shields’ job is to take this group of individuals and shape them into a single organism with its own character and temperament.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The prickly exchange went viral and prompted bipartisan criticism and questioning of her temperament.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This is because when people lose weight, the body’s natural inclination is to return to its previous weight – a phenomenon called metabolic adaptation.
    Amy J. Sheer, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The 11 satellites on board are flying to a mid-inclination orbit.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • After calls for its removal -- including by Republicans -- the White House said a staffer had posted the video erroneously.
    BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
  • For people that are not tracking what that actually means, that means that ICE can do almost no arrests in the entire country … If a court rules that there’s a final order of removal, they’re removed actually by an administrative warrant, not a judicial warrant.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The company described the sequence as a full-mode transition flight.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Its landing sequence was a feat of unconventional engineering.
    Ilya Ferapontov, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The agreement also explores adopting the SGE’s advanced physical warehousing system in Hong Kong, offering secure gold management for local and global participants while strengthening ties between on-exchange and over-the-counter (OTC) trading.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Flurry of trade deals The agreement comes days after the EU signed a pivotal pact with the South American bloc Mercosur, following deals last year with Indonesia, Mexico and Switzerland.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Behind palace doors, there were plenty of temper tantrums, sharp exchanges, and the occasional explosive fight.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Co-regulating your emotions alongside your toddler can help achieve a resolution to conflict without raising your voice or loosing your temper.
    Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Broncos expect Stidham to play well given his mental aptitude, preparation and personality.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Woodall plays a talented piano tuner whose meticulous skills for tuning pianos lead him to discover an unexpected aptitude for cracking safes, turning his life upside down.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Days after the remains were discovered, Garcia was arrested and charged with a number of counts, including murder with special circumstances, conspiracy to commit murder with special circumstances, improper disposal of a dead body and intentional cruelty to a child under the age of 19.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
  • For larger quantities of grease, let stand at room temperature until solidified for easy disposal.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disposition. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on disposition

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