Definition of dispositionnext
1
2
3
as in removal
the getting rid of whatever is unwanted or useless we'll have to find some means for the disposition of all of this junk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disposition distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of disposition are character, personality, temperament, and temper. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one.

a cheerful disposition

When is it sensible to use character instead of disposition?

While the synonyms character and disposition are close in meaning, character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents.

strength of character

When could personality be used to replace disposition?

The words personality and disposition are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.

a somber personality

When might temper be a better fit than disposition?

While in some cases nearly identical to disposition, 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 disposition?

The words temperament and disposition 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 disposition Burke has rare size at nearly 6-foot-9, and a nasty disposition to match. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026 At the end of the survey, respondents were asked to rank the six methods of disposition in terms of preference. Tanya D. Marsh, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026 Whatever the disposition of the Tifani and the Touska, for the moment, the tactic doesn’t seem to be bringing Iran closer to the negotiating table. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 Travis County District Court, who is overseeing the disposition of Infowars. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disposition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disposition
Noun
  • Beagles are the most common breed of dog used for animal testing, primarily because of their smaller size and gentle temperament, Simmons said.
    David Fischer, Fortune, 4 May 2026
  • This is, for me, a distinction in temperament.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Specifically, the inclination of consumers to search for lower prices during a spike.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • Like des Esseintes’s inclination toward the antiquated, Carly’s taste for vintage kitsch runs retro-romantic.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The elevated design will affect 11 parks and several greenways, including the complete removal of Wilmore Park.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026
  • Heavy encrustations of golden mussels have blocked pipes in municipal and industrial water intakes, which has necessitated costly biofouling removal.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • The sequence left us pondering our pet cats and, for good measure, our worst selves.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • In a season-long arc, Gallagher will play Rod Finlayson, a charismatic, uber-independent, capable yet unreliable figure, whose arrival at the Gibsons’ marina on his beloved boat sets up a sequence of upheavals that Alberg and Cassandra will have to grapple with.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Leaders across the globe called on Iran Monday evening to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East after the country launched attacks on the United Arab Emirates, putting the ceasefire agreement to its most challenging test yet.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 5 May 2026
  • Name what works, define one agreement, and build from something that feels stable and reliable.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • The language of civil rights will always be most appealing to political minorities in search of procedural arguments to temper or frustrate the will of the majority.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • People still were tired, tempers frayed.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Learning about her aptitude for difficult conversations, a counselor directed her toward social work instead.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
  • Murray-Boyles separates himself with his defensive aptitude, though.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The industrial system of Chicago’s water management — invisible and linear extraction, consumption and disposal of our water resources — is rapidly approaching its limits.
    Alaina Harkness, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
  • The Portland Police Bureau’s explosive disposal unit was called in after evidence of explosives was discovered on scene.
    Doha Madani, NBC news, 3 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disposition. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on disposition

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