Definition of personalitynext
1
2
3
4

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 Aztec Knit Flip Flop is bold and full of personality. ABC News, 9 May 2026 The flower, which radiates positivity and joy, encourages Leo to showcase their vivacious personality. Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026 Pierzynski pointed to Bryce Harper, whose early days with the Washington Nationals included a fiery personality. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 8 May 2026 He was known as a role model, with a positive personality, and got along with anybody. Adam Thompson, CBS News, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • Loafers are everywhere this spring, with celebrities like Sharon Stone and Katie Holmes recently stepping out in the comfortable yet classy flats.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
  • These mad scientists then trained a small flock of sheep to recognize four celebrities—Emma Watson, Barack Obama, Jake Gyllenhaal, and the BBC newsreader Fiona Bruce—from their pictures on the internet.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Attacks on our bodies and identities are happening now.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • The man, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was carrying a Mexican voter registration card, according to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • So who owns the IP on your digital self?
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 11 May 2026
  • Tim Darcy has always been the man of a thousand voices — a wildly imaginative singer playing different roles, capturing the disintegration of the self from different angles.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • When Azik tries to rid himself of the stigma, calling someone else weak as if to offload the physical weight of the insult, a startling act of violence occurs.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • Sometimes, there’s no better way to pay tribute to a dear friend than by lambasting them with insults.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Bradley’s roster of clients was the A-list—and the B-list, too—of the era’s stars of musical theatre and revues.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
  • That includes team executives Elton Brand and former Saint Joseph’s star and NBA veteran Jameer Nelson.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • The spinoff will feature Beth Dutton riding horses more frequently, a change from her character's past trauma.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • In an announcement video posted to social media, Martin was joined by characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets, with a cameo from BTS.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Exposure to nature is so good for your mental health.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • What’s more, the low-fat nature of the cut is typically doubled down on via the cooking technique.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • So, does Aaron Boone make anything of the fact that his Yankees can only beat up on bad teams (please note the sarcasm)?
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
  • Yet even in that apparent act of accountability, the sarcasm never fully disappeared.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 9 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on personality

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster