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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 Next up this week is Rolo, a 3-year-old Siamese cat with a big frame and even bigger personality. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025 Known for his vibrant personality, he will be remembered as an energetic dancer who always brought a smile to those around him. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 24 May 2025 Instead, certain cats appear to naturally possess the necessary personality traits. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025 On the other end of the spectrum, wellness culture is crowded with personalities and products claiming to have the answers. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for personality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality
Noun
  • Another celebrity’s name has been dropped in Diddy‘s trial.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 28 May 2025
  • The burger topping is prompting reaction from some celebrity chefs, including Andrew Zimmern, who recently shared his opinions with TMZ about Diddy's unusual preference.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Okta shares are tumbling around 12% this morning after the identity security provider last night issued what appeared to be conservative guidance.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 May 2025
  • Building the Future on Flexibility According to Rama, the future of identity governance is modular.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Despite the usual magnitude of Pride festivities in the nation's capital, Pride organizers say the current political environment has dampened the excitement surrounding the celebration of life and self expression.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • The state Supreme Court has ruled that a Waterbury man deserves a new trial because his jury wasn’t told to consider his right of self defense before convicting him of manslaughter for shooting to death a bystander during a gunfight on a city street.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • There is not normally an upside to losing a star player through injury for a lengthy period, but Kaoru Mitoma’s absence from the last 16 games of the 2023-24 season had a silver lining for Brighton & Hove Albion.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, Elizabeth took off, Joel started drinking and this marked the beginning of a spiral for the star.
    Daniela Avila, People.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • For one final time, there is cause to raise a glass to a character who, for better and worse, is the club’s player of the season.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • And, of course, with my character there wasn’t a lot there.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • The Kansas State coach demands aggressiveness from his players, but Inoue’s nature is to avoid risks in the game.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • The competitive nature of the auditions sends the message that there’s always someone else willing to do the work and take your spot.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • These immigrants in Florida find Trump’s offer ‘an insult’ Many are skeptical.
    South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025
  • The master of appropriating insults just can’t do anything to make TACO his — Trump Always Cares Outstandingly just doesn’t have the same ring.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Such sarcasm ridicules six-figure tuition, room, and board.
    Michael Serazio, Time, 28 May 2025
  • My follow up was meant to use sarcasm to make a serious point: The First Amendment provisions on religious liberty were written by Madison to prohibit state encroachment on religion, which is exactly what this bill does.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on personality

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