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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 Revisiting his usual conflict of ethics and personality (popularized in the dramas American Buffalo and Glengarry Glen Ross), Mamet addresses what’s gone wrong in contemporary America — wrong to the extent that ethics have become dissatisfying and enigmatic. Armond White, National Review, 14 May 2025 There’s no question plenty of angst still remains, at City Hall and in the neighborhoods, about the next four years under a mayor with a different personality and a different agenda. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025 These challenges can arise not only from theological conflicts but also from mismatches in personality, learning style, or emotional needs that went unrecognized or invalidated in those environments. Devora Shabtai, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025 General Hospital isn't typically a place Americans might get a glimpse of a future presidential candidate, but that happened this week when ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith made a surprise return to the long-running drama. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • In addition to the post receiving comments from some of Roan's celebrity friends, including Paris Hilton, who left a heart-eyes emoji, fans also reacted to the hair change.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 17 May 2025
  • All of the biggest celebrity stories, in your inbox every day: Sign up for the entertainment newsletter.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • On the one side are Autistic self-advocates, many of whom reject the idea that Autism is a disease and instead embrace it as an identity.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • And then, of course, the Captain America movie had its whole own identity as well.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Armed with an arsenal of reggaeton grooves and relatable lyrics, the singer born Carolina Giraldo Navarro conquered the charts and endeared herself to legions of fans with her sonic confessionals of love and self-empowerment.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The island manages to feel like a familiar neighborhood, while simultaneously bursting with opportunity to see and be seen, to connect more deeply with others and with self, in totally new ways.
    Essence, Essence, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Here's what stars, constellations are the best to spot in May Stargazing this May?
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice on Saturday said star winger Sam Reinhart is out for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes after leaving Game 2 in the first period with a lower-body injury.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Series regular Tony Todd, who died last fall, returns for a touching posthumous scene that references another fan favorite character.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Each still type creates a rum with a distinct character.
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Gobel attributed his success to compensating for what nature didn’t give him and to luck.
    Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 May 2025
  • The very nature of the zero-gravity sleep position is that you’re meant to lie flat on your back.
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • They were quickly showered with boos and insults, along with various food items and beverages, including my mother’s large Pepsi.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
  • Students understood the insult – and its historical sting.
    Simon Montlake, Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • There’s tenderness and frustration, playfulness and sarcasm; respect and fatigue.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
  • TikTok viewers chimed in with a mix of sarcasm, solidarity, and surprisingly creative suggestions.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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