disposition

noun

ˌdi-spə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce disposition (audio)
Definition of dispositionnext
1
as in temperament
one's characteristic attitude or mood he has a cheerful disposition and is very rarely depressed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in inclination
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a woman with a disposition to fuss about trivial matters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in sequence
the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another planned the disposition of events at her wedding with a precision that military commanders would envy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in agreement
an arrangement about action to be taken all that remains is a disposition regarding the custody of the two children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 His career is rich with experience in church governance and diplomatic work, and his theological disposition is a bit more conservative than Francis’s, though his engagement with China and its Communist Party is controversial. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 True leadership is not about suppressing challenges with a sunny disposition but embracing them with a clear-eyed perspective that encourages growth and connection. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Luis carried the disposition of a player living and feeling every second of the worst game of his life with a long face and sad eyes at all times. —Brendan Quinn, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025 They would otherwise be returned to the family of the deceased person for final disposition. —Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disposition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disposition
  1. temperament
  2. inclination
  3. removal
  4. sequence
  5. agreement
  6. temper
  7. aptitude
  8. disposal
Noun
  • Åberg’s management team wanted to find the perfect caddie — experienced, with the right temperament — to pair with its client, an uber-talented rookie learning how to be a pro.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Lago, the incumbent mayor who prides himself on his responsiveness to residents and sustainability initiatives, has faced scrutiny for his temperament, as well as his former ties to a controversial developer.
    — Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of temperament
Noun
  • Stolarz’s inclination to shout instructions at teammates on the ice, often with serious levels of hostility in the name of competition, comes to him naturally.
    — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs are designed for a combination of reasons, including protecting domestic markets; inviting foreign investment; and becoming more effective using capabilities, inclinations, and talents in other parts of the world.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • Finally, the highest-end personal plan is Surfshark One+, which adds data removal by Incogni.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Historically, rib removal has been performed mainly by thoracic surgeons (who specialize in the chest) to treat fractures, infections, tumors, and other serious medical conditions.
    — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of removal
Noun
  • In just one transporting sequence that’s almost too much to take in, Coogler traces a line from the blues of the 1930s back to its origins and forward to its influences on funk and beyond.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This detonation will spew material at the other white dwarf, triggering the same devastating sequence.
    — Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of sequence
Noun
  • So there’s a mutual agreement between the two, or mutual benefits, that are quite tolerable—or even pleasurable.
    — Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • During his first term, President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated by the Obama administration between Iran and world nuclear powers.
    — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of agreement
Noun
  • As seen on the broadcast and in videos uploaded to X, Curry, 37, known for his cool temper on the court, was seen intensely exchanging words with Rockets head coach, Ime Udoka.
    — Natasha Dye, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Zahra said Mary slowly opened up about her troubles with Nathan, his paranoia, his temper.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of temper
Noun
  • His and Hubbard's distinct approaches underscore the region’s aptitude for versatility.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
  • According to the archaeologists, the transition from stone to bone was a feat of abstract thinking, requiring an aptitude in toolmaking and an appreciation that the knapping techniques that worked on one material would also work on another.
    — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Ancelotti deserves some blame for not constructing a more viable team out of the talented players at his disposal.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Attendees are encouraged to take part in electronic recycling by bringing old phones, laptops, cords, chargers, tablets, and other devices for responsible disposal.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of disposal

Browse Nearby Words

disposing of
disposition
dispositions
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Cite this Entry

“Disposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disposition. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on disposition

Nglish: Translation of disposition for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about disposition

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