PERSONALITY Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

personality

noun

ˌpər-sə-ˈna-lə-tē

Definition of personality

as in celebrity

a person who is widely known and usually much talked about a local television personality who is beloved by area residents

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in identity

the set of qualities that make a person different from other people she's got a great personality

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in self

the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others it has never been in the nation's personality to adhere to a rigid class system

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as in insult

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings every debate that was supposedly about the issues quickly degenerated into a juvenile exchange of personalities

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 A number of prominent Dutch media personalities also publicly objected to the move. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 In 1860, Muybridge was thrown from a carriage, resulting in a head injury that radically changed his personality and possibly heightened his artistic inclinations. — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 Alan had an incredible gift for storytelling, a wonderful sense of humor, an adventurous spirit, and a personality that could fill any room. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026 From discovering a new tool to adding one last touch before stepping into the crowd, the partnership helped guest feel confident, show their personality and get ready for their next big moment. — Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for personality

Recent Examples of Synonyms for personality

Noun

The Los Angeles city attorney’s office is suing an animal rescue organization that was once a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, alleging that its owner purchased dogs from puppy mills and portrayed them to adopters as animals that were rescued.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Above Average is billed as an irreverent look at celebrity culture, corporate power and society’s obsession with being exceptional.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of celebrity

Noun

No further information, including the identity of the neighbor, was available as the case was ongoing, according to Klopping.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
To be sure, Devin Kay of Douglas Elliman told Fox Business recognizable names tend to get attached to blockbuster deals when a buyer’s identity is hidden.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of identity

Noun

The deal, which includes spare parts and international orders, is subject to congressional approval and could generate $79 billion in economic activity, with Lockheed Martin self-funding at least $7 billion in program initiatives.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
His singing as Andy Boay is more distinct, his lyrics more diaristic and even self-referential.

— Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of self

Noun

But the Rodriguez and other members of the Cuban delegation began banging the desks, calling for a point of order and shouting insults at Waltz.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
The examination showed that Parker and Smith had exchanged dozens of texts, which include obscenities and insults, in the days before Parker's disappearance.

— News Editor, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of insult

Noun

Stokes finished with a personal 2026 postseason-best 13 points to go with eight rebounds, three blocks and suffocating defense on Dream star Angel Reese, who was held to seven points on 2-for-8 shooting.

— Reuters, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
The former Cowboys star motioned to the drivers of the vehicles to tell them to slow down, and that’s when the dispute began.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of star

Noun

The Johnson County pastor and the former rural doctor traded condemnations, repeatedly turning policy questions into opportunities to cast doubt on each other’s character and fitness for office.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Stretch fabrics have sleek constructions without the bulky appearance of conventional stretch denim, and mechanical stretch fabrics offer big, open twills and rigid character.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of character

Cite this Entry

Style

“Personality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/personality. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of personality

noun

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