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 Former Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is one of the pregame, halftime and postgame personalities. Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Pittsburgh was matched with Pete, the longtime rival of Mickey Mouse known for his gruff personality and larger-than-life presence. Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The film’s Indian distribution will be handled by media personality Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 That car also seemed to fit his puppy-like personality, which has also been changing over the years into the sheer determination required of a Formula 1 champion. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • Taylor Swift has always had a group of celebrity friends, which has changed significantly over the years.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Sports stars, celebrities and business heavyweights could enter from an interior loading dock area to a blue carpet backstage, allowing access into the club without having to navigate the crowds.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Its identity centers on the Modified Tanto profile, pronounced geometric surfaces and visual continuity between the blade and titanium handle.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This is a historically fragmented industry, with different vendors for different kinds of services, such as firewall, threat detection, and identity.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With no signs of cancerous growth or the grafts migrating, the process appears relatively safe, opening the way for further research into self-transplants made of mature muscle cells as a means of treating numerous conditions.
    Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Not only did the boycott fail to keep the company from slapping its Black customers in the face with its Jim Crow costume, but the insult happened with two Black men on the company’s board of directors.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • This much was clear from the insults continually traded between the two sets of fans.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Brad Pitt sent a message to George Clooney as the Michael Clayton star was honored Wednesday at the Venice International Film Festival.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Marchese spent the past 12 years as a senior executive at Studio71, another creator media firm that handled distribution and advertising sales representation for a range of digital-native stars.
    William Earl, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Behold the plight of the Ryan Murphy character, cursed to behave nonsensically and flit wildly from plotline to plotline based on the writer’s whims.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • At the center, a Geometric CNC Fuller visually reduces the mass of the blade while reinforcing Razorbill's distinctive multi-faceted character.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But the high-end talent in Atlanta’s farm system isn’t quite ready for the majors, especially given the plug-and-play nature of the starting lineup.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Through all of the animosity from the crowd, one that Matthews noted as particularly hostile, the up-and-down nature of the game and the spotlight Chesney brought to his team, the players appeared to be collected and poised.
    Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As Troy, his signature wide-eyed, guileless delivery of sarcasm is a first line of defense that softens as his understanding of the Russian people, including his companion, grows.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The other presidents had some semblance of comedic appreciation, whether through cynicism, irony, sarcasm, joke-telling, joke appreciation or storytelling.
    John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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