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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 demure
Each side has a demure split that makes the dress more breathable, especially when the sun is beating down hard.
—
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025
The demure Italian gent and his tiny-waisted mistress.
—Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
For the more demure, go for a cheese that whispers rather than shouts.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The best way into the whole trend is to go with something more demure and less literal, perhaps: like a cocktail tray rimmed with glossy olives or wall art that traps your food of choice behind glass.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025
The demure Italian gent and his tiny-waisted mistress.
—Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
For the more demure, go for a cheese that whispers rather than shouts.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The best way into the whole trend is to go with something more demure and less literal, perhaps: like a cocktail tray rimmed with glossy olives or wall art that traps your food of choice behind glass.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
-
Nab this charming bag, which comes in all sorts of coquettish florals and prints that flawlessly fit the aesthetic.—
Francesca Krempa,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The new 14-track collection ballasts her familiar dreamy, coquettish sound with vulnerability and anguish.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
However, at the Budapest world championships in 2023, Alfred was just shy of a podium finish in both of her events.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Instead, the president hasn’t been shy about wanting elite colleges to foot the bill.—
Liam Knox,
Fortune,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
What threatened to be a meek, straight-sets exit for the 13th seed went full-metal crazy on match point down when Bonzi was interrupted from serving it out after a photographer absent-mindedly walked onto the court.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Social deficits can manifest as belligerent or meek.—
Tao Lin,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Mousse is elusive, coy and even mysterious.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Maybe the aliens are coy and want to stay hidden.—
Matthew Hutson,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Even a humble vape pen could serve a website until too many curious visitors try to connect.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Don’t include the humble brags.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Seductively kittenish, Gardner lives up to her profane reputation.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2023
-
Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
-
Her brand of studied, bashful flightiness began to seem more passé than winkingly subversive.—
Mayukh Sen,
The Atlantic,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share