Definition of personalitynext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word personality distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of personality are character, disposition, temperament, and temper. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.

a somber personality

When is it sensible to use character instead of personality?

Although the words character and personality have much in common, character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents.

strength of character

In what contexts can disposition take the place of personality?

In some situations, the words disposition and personality are roughly equivalent. However, disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one.

a cheerful disposition

When would temper be a good substitute for personality?

While in some cases nearly identical to personality, 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 personality?

The words temperament and personality 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 personality The human personality resists easy analysis — that is surely one of Aviv’s takeaways. Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Platner’s promoters were excited by his transgressive personality. David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 The actor, producer, entrepreneur, author and internet personality found fame early as a content creator by creating and starring in the YouTube series Escape the Night. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 That means leaders should pay attention to personality, role, and season. Rick Tollakson, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • At a time when drama has come to depend on celebrity leads and commercial hype, this bounty of understated excellence is heartening.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • This plan, spearheaded by the Mohammed VI Academy and coach Nasser Larguet, modernized Moroccan football by integrating European methodologies with a national identity.
    Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • The person’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, police said.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Live in the moment, but don’t make promises your future self has to keep.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
  • This bold decision proved successful, underscoring her philosophy of self-advocacy in the industry.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • The insults often accompany reports and even videos of kids and teens engaging in reckless riding — weaving through traffic, running stop signs, ignoring pedestrians, and performing stunts like wheelies in opposing lanes, sometimes without helmets.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • During the night shift at Illinois's The Wiener's Circle, sassy Poochi Rollins slings Chicago red hots loaded with mustard, relish, onions, and more—with a side of insult comedy.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • The Fever committed 17 turnovers, which the Sparks (9-11) converted into 22 points, and star Caitlin Clark scored her second-fewest point total this season with just nine in limited minutes.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Since the homemade icing on the cake is so sweet, and the real star of the show, my mom always opts for a lighter chocolate cake mix, like milk chocolate, instead of dark chocolate or fudge.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Each will showcase original works from more than 30 artists reimagining iconic moments, characters and worlds from Sonic’s history, alongside artwork from SEGA’s archives.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 8 July 2026
  • Thorpe’s characters are so specific, their balance of prickliness and kindness and quirk so delicate, that one wrong casting choice could ruin the whole viewing experience.
    Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • That was one of the main goals when designing the app, since an internet connection isn't always guaranteed when exploring nature in Michigan.
    Jack Springgate, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • The limited nature of the aquariums’ beluga habitats affects the whales both physically and mentally, with one of the main problems being boredom, said Marino, who is also a neuroscientist.
    Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • Bluth family at the show's center, while Howard narrated the action with plenty of sarcasm.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026
  • Avoid using silence, sarcasm or strategic distance when direct language would resolve the issue faster.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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