1
as in coquettish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest
the previously demure maiden began making some surprisingly shocking remarks
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in shy
not comfortable around people
hesitant and demure, she hardly spoke a word at the banquet table
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demure
While she’s been spotted with bolder manicures during her Life of a Showgirl era—from chunky French tips to an orange sparkling cinnamon set—this latest look is a bit more demure.
—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2026
Mattieu Blazy's latest for the Parisian House is simultaneously demure and completely see-through in his couture debut.
—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
27 Jan. 2026
This sensibility is wonderfully demure (to use the mot du jour) and understated, letting the true star—the sweeping views of Portofino Bay, glimpsed through the doors to the balconies—really shine.
—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Sofia the First boasts a princess who is not demure, but instead loves adventure and stands up for what’s right.
—
Taylor Grothe,
Parents,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2026
Mattieu Blazy's latest for the Parisian House is simultaneously demure and completely see-through in his couture debut.
—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
27 Jan. 2026
This sensibility is wonderfully demure (to use the mot du jour) and understated, letting the true star—the sweeping views of Portofino Bay, glimpsed through the doors to the balconies—really shine.
—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Sofia the First boasts a princess who is not demure, but instead loves adventure and stands up for what’s right.
—
Taylor Grothe,
Parents,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
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With sheer fabrics, lightweight materials, and vintage touches, Bella Hadid succumbed to the most coquettish piece of the moment.
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The desire for mental stimulation, variety and excitement is undeniable, but beneath all of the coquettish energy, something vulnerable is also starting to unfold.
Adjective
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Willis, who was one of the group's founders in the 1970s, died one day shy of his 75th birthday.
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His six goals tied Argentina forward Lionel Messi for the tournament lead and gave him 18 in his World Cup career, one shy of Messi's record.
Adjective
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Contrasting her with the meek, mysterious, and passive Anthy, the series examines the constrictions both men and women face via traditional gender roles, with an eye towards gender fluidity that remains radical today.
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The series centers on Cha Myung-jo, a meek worker at a company producing imitation character stickers who, despite nominally heading his household, lives in the shadow of his far more capable wife.
Adjective
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The juxtaposition of Louis being smiley and coy about his diversified portfolio and Regina’s cramped living situation with multiple roommates in an apartment where mice are falling from the ceiling is jarring.
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Mekies coy on Verstappen’s future Once again, one of the big talking points regarding the drivers’ market is whether or not Verstappen will remain with Red Bull (or in F1 overall) come next season.
Adjective
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The withdrawn draft focused on setting up several new watchdogs to keep AI in check, including a dedicated commission and a special insurance fund to help people if the new technology caused harm.
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The story follows Trey, a withdrawn ex-con surviving as a night driver on the city’s margins, who forms a tentative and increasingly intimate bond with Camden (Dafne Keen), a sharp and restless young woman working as a call girl.
Adjective
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Teoscar Hernández was back from a hamstring injury, and a little bit humble.
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America's favorite investment has changed over time In 2008, as the Great Recession descended, Americans picked the humble savings account (and the certificate of deposit) as their favorite long-term investment in Gallup polls.
Adjective
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Simply brushing them out of your eyes can feel like a coquettish, kittenish gesture!
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Seductively kittenish, Gardner lives up to her profane reputation.
Adjective
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Over the course of a few days, this bashful teen, always armed with her camcorder and far less free-spirited than her cousins, will be beset by her father’s feuding family.
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Overall and head-to-head goal differential are tiebreakers for group placement, and the Norwegians won’t be bashful about scoring as many times as possible.
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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