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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 All kinds of Amazon products get rave reviews — and some recent ones are from reality TV personalities. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Other presidents have survived assassination attempts and handled the aftermath in various ways, depending on their personalities. Barbara A. Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 Though the sisters have indistinguishable hairstyles, Davis instills her characters with completely distinct personalities without being over-the-top about it, in ways only a master can. Barry Levitt, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025 This translates into Jan having to collaborate with many versions of himself that have unique skills and far too many conflicting personalities defined by past events. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • The firm specialized in celebrity, events and brands and maintained offices in L.A. and New York.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The network has ordered Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, which will see the celebrity chef go undercover to rescue America’s filthiest restaurants.
    Peter White, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The wolf has a big representation for Shakira’s identity.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This is particularly important because many everyday consumer transactions rely on mainframe technology, including most credit card purchases as well as other steps in financial transactions such as identity verification.
    Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As of filling out this form: My self and my wife and my parents.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • That might be her 20-something self’s stance on her agency in the moment, but the woman looking back in her late 40s surveys the landscape with clear-eyed ownership.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • How to see the Lyrids The meteors seem to emerge – or radiate – from the constellation Lyra, specifically a bright star named Vega, according to astronomers.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Aberdeen would have been a fan favorite and the top returner in a backcourt losing three stars in Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • David was always like, ‘But that’s the character, Jim.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The Times checked in with Macht a few weeks later over a video call to discuss the reprising of his character.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Part of the issue in Toronto has to do with the nature of sports attendance in general over the past 20 years.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Due to the often more luxurious nature of private helicopter travel, individuals who die in the crashes will draw attention.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But some Republican registrars took them as an insult, and at least one, Lisa Amatruda of Woodbury, walked out.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The imitation Punisher logo on Cole’s bullet was no act of flattery, but the most vile of insults.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Examples include belittling comments, patronizing questions, frequent interruptions, eye-rolling, sarcasm and mean jokes.
    Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The episode also saw the sisters reflect on their relationship, which, as is typical with sisters, is filled with plenty of sarcasm and quips.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on personality

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