1
as in coquettish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest
the previously demure maiden began making some surprisingly shocking remarks
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2
as in shy
not comfortable around people
hesitant and demure, she hardly spoke a word at the banquet table
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in meek
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness
wore a very demure outfit to the interview for the job at the church's headquarters
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demure
At the same time, a more demure set of scientists was quietly laying the foundation for the renovation of social Darwinism in mainstream biological thinking.
—
Erik Baker, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
The steeliness that Lucy exudes, despite her almost demure exterior, is her emotional armor.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
Norma Shearer, an M-G-M star who became his wife, told the tale of meeting him for the first time and taking him for a demure office boy.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
There were Hmong women with a certain style that never hit the pop culture radar: Tough, streetwise, cocksure and confident, deeply devoted to their families, friends and culture, but not the least bit demure or deferential.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Erik Baker, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
The steeliness that Lucy exudes, despite her almost demure exterior, is her emotional armor.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
Norma Shearer, an M-G-M star who became his wife, told the tale of meeting him for the first time and taking him for a demure office boy.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
There were Hmong women with a certain style that never hit the pop culture radar: Tough, streetwise, cocksure and confident, deeply devoted to their families, friends and culture, but not the least bit demure or deferential.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
-
The unembellished style is well suited for Lake Orta, the quietly beautiful but shy little sister of northern Italy’s more glamorous resort towns.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
And that group never has been shy in expressing its confidence.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Antoinette becomes a de facto leader when her meek husband crumbles under pressure.—
Los Angeles Times Staff,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
-
The end of season 2 turned the tables on the meek Ada and domineering Agnes when Agnes lost her fortune thanks to her son Oscar (Blake Ritson) trusting the wrong people.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
While Feig remained coy, the audience's fervent response suggested the appetite for a third installment is real.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
-
When are Snack Wraps coming back to McDonald's? McDonald's is being coy about revealing when Snack Wraps will return.—
Chad Murphy,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Notice if the child becomes withdrawn, anxious, or shows signs of distress connected to a friendship.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
10 July 2025
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Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.—
Dominick Williams,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Both Dunn’s and Watt’s stories exemplify two former standout NFL players who reached the pinnacle of their professions yet never forgot their humble beginnings, continuing to remain empathetic and grounded.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Moore doesn’t agree that Beshear needs to be bolder, or somehow less humble to attract a national following.—
Taylor Antrim,
Vogue,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2023
-
With a basis of flawless skin—smoothing and hydration offered via Kylie Skin Face Moisturizer and Eye Cream—Phillips pulled a thick wing of black liner along Jenner's lids, a diminutive wing beneath the lower lashline providing a kittenish complement.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
13 Sep. 2021
Adjective
-
The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
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There are dozens of people screaming his name and the young Ronaldo appears bashful and shy.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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There is typically a seasonal decline in beef prices as grilling season slows down into the fall, but those price declines are likely to be modest.—
Josh Funk,
Chicago Tribune,
18 July 2025
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In fact, some are surprisingly modest — small, functional gas stations not so different from your neighborhood Exxon.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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