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 Color and pattern pack on the personality—and French says that’s kind of the point. Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026 Kay Hart, Ford Model e general manager, stated the new name reflects the vehicle's unique DNA, new platform, and manufacturing process, to give it personality. Greg Migliore, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Each of the 11 guest rooms features unique, textures and personalities. Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 If the uncharted territory in Wetzel’s home life mellows out his music, he and Simon both want The Night Champion to bring out Wetzel’s outsize personality and melodies one more time. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • This next generation of talent provides an in for luxury brands who are keen to generate loyalty and sales, not just celebrity fervor, through their Korean brand ambassadors.
    Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On his Instagram account, Harper shared a screenshot of the request on Cameo, an app that allows users to pay celebrities to record custom videos.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Hence the switch, a year or so after the film’s release, to a stadium now named after the latest in a long line of sponsors that, for all the vital money brought in, have slightly eroded identity.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Meloni is hardly the only world leader to project political identity through wardrobe choices.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Meloni's current fashion choices — and political rhetoric — contrast starkly with those of her younger self.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The wrapper choice becomes a tax and custody question, ETFs for IRAs, coins for those who want transfers and eventually self-custody, rather than a venue choice.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There’s blood and insults and exasperation and pain and horror.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The amendment aims to prevent players from hiding insults or other abuse — including discriminatory remarks — behind their hand, arm or jersey.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Amziah hands off the honey plant to Kateri as McConaughey, the Oscar-winning movie star, hands off the film to newcomer LookingGlass, in her very first movie role.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier in the night, Pallister beat Canadian star Summer McIntosh for gold in the 200–meter freestyle.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • What sprang up there was this soulless bowl, totally lacking in the character and atmosphere of the club’s old Elm Park home.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • My issue isn’t with the fact the show is suddenly adding characters who aren’t in the book but with the whiplash from the dramatic vibe shift.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Over the next 710 days, Earth will experience three total solar eclipses visible from Europe, Africa and Australia, giving travelers an unusually accessible chance to witness one of nature’s rarest spectacles.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The nature of Robert Carradine’s death is the subject of a new lawsuit brought against the University of California, Los Angeles by the actor’s family.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Back on the main stage, Mumford also stripped away the silliness and sarcasm.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Her business-strategy forecasting was met with sarcasm and disdain — her role as pop’s leading philosopher somewhat rejected by people online.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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