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 Hosted by Dallas radio personality Jasmine Sadry, the program, Ladies on Latenight, will see the Real Housewives alumni dish on love, money and reality TV fame. Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026 She is expected to work to broaden her portfolio — something other sports personalities are also doing. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026 The designer suggests letting your preferences guide you, whether toward a more contemporary design with bold lines or a classic Persian with an unexpected color twist, to offer both personality and ground your space. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026 Another is that with so many different personalities, kids can connect with more than one character. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Sensory design has played an enormous role in developing this new identity for the bathroom, and the 2026 NKBA Bath Trends Report shows that numerous sensory trends are expected to continue gaining mainstream traction.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Police have not released name or identity of the man suspected shooting Patterson and his roommate.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Burrus, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation who self-identifies as transgender, said losing faith in the Democrats and never having faith in the Republicans led to embracing communism.
    Asra Q. Nomani , Nikolas Lanum , Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Like all Americans, our officers have a right to self defense.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In what could be a scene straight out of the official Netflix movie, a comment intended as an insult instead galvanized the troops.
    Natalie Jarvey, Fortune, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The article does not even state the names of all the candidates in the race, an insult to those who polled higher than Leon.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The White Lotus breakout star and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television, Aimee Lou Wood, held hands with her beau Adam Long.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Kittle is one of many 49ers stars to be injured this season and unable finish the biggest game of the season.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Gyles Brandreth, broadcaster, former MP and friend to Christopher Robin Milne, opened up about the man behind the character while chatting with Joe Sibilia on Nostalgia Tonight.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • That idea of shiny surfaces is key to Cathy’s character and costumes.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His failure to accomplish his objectives does not mitigate the profoundly dangerous nature of his crimes.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Food and drink All meals are served at Little River, the floating restaurant that opened in 2022 with a massive wooden bar, cozy fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking nature's symphony of wildlife outside.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The video, narrated with dry sarcasm and visible exhaustion, quickly went viral.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • With her signature deadpan sarcasm and round glasses, Daria critiqued suburban life and the insanity of high school popularity contests with wit and honesty.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 30 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on personality

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