1
as in coquettish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest
the previously demure maiden began making some surprisingly shocking remarks
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shy
not comfortable around people
hesitant and demure, she hardly spoke a word at the banquet table
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demure
All of this is to say: A demure black look is hot again.
—
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
An action group called the Women’s Political Council strategically portrayed her as a kindly seamstress and demure heroine — someone milquetoast enough for white Americans to get behind — and launched the call to boycott the bus system the instant she was arrested.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 Mar. 2025
Jaden Smith waltzed onto the Grammys red carpet early on Sunday night in a demure black Louis Vuitton suit with, well, a castle on his head.
—Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025
Many of the effortless looks were anchored with fluid pencil skirts offered in an array of textures, from liquid-looking silk to textural fringes and micro beads, the latter conjuring a demure flapper girl élan.
—WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
An action group called the Women’s Political Council strategically portrayed her as a kindly seamstress and demure heroine — someone milquetoast enough for white Americans to get behind — and launched the call to boycott the bus system the instant she was arrested.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 Mar. 2025
Jaden Smith waltzed onto the Grammys red carpet early on Sunday night in a demure black Louis Vuitton suit with, well, a castle on his head.
—Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025
Many of the effortless looks were anchored with fluid pencil skirts offered in an array of textures, from liquid-looking silk to textural fringes and micro beads, the latter conjuring a demure flapper girl élan.
—WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
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And according to a couple of the seniors in the secondary, the young defensive backs haven’t been shy about it.—
Dan Lovi,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2025
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Over on the Official Physical Singles list, the same title lands at No. 42, just a couple of spots shy of becoming a top 40 seller across the rankings once more.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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One of the film’s most tragic figures is Fred’s meek and traumatized young widow (Norah Mwansa), who is treated abominably by Shula’s aunts.—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2025
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The series stars Purnell (Yellowjackets, Sweetbitter) as Rhiannon Lewis, a meek newspaper-office receptionist who was mercilessly bullied in high school.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The members have been coy about the band’s future—sometimes dousing it with cold water, others alluding to informal meet-ups that may or may not lead to a return to the studio or stage.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
13 Mar. 2025
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For now, a variety of liberal organizations are keeping a low profile and being coy about their potential roster of challengers.—
Hanna Trudo,
The Hill,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The withdrawn San Francisco drama, about lonely nonbinary nanny and restaurant server Cass (Asia Kate Dillon), is simple in its presentation, but disguises numerous layers to its story.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2025
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Jade and John told Dateline both had noticed their daughter was acting a bit withdrawn in the period leading up to her disappearance.—
Veronica Fulton,
NBC News,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Still, Hubbard likely didn’t mind, as the humble and grateful fifth-year senior was simply happy his unlikely career would continue.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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On Friday, South Korea’s former President was forced to eat the humble variety after his impeachment over an earlier martial law declaration was unanimously confirmed by the nation’s Constitutional Court.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2023
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With a basis of flawless skin—smoothing and hydration offered via Kylie Skin Face Moisturizer and Eye Cream—Phillips pulled a thick wing of black liner along Jenner's lids, a diminutive wing beneath the lower lashline providing a kittenish complement.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
13 Sep. 2021
Adjective
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While maybe not made for the bashful, the floor-to-ceiling glass doors are incredible at expanding the space—and enjoying every last drop of water from the shower.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Jan. 2025
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Smith’s ambition to present a no-frills establishment is no indication of a bashful pedigree.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Detroit Free Press,
6 Mar. 2024
Adjective
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In the quiet corridors of Berkshire Hathaway’s modest headquarters in Omaha, the Oracle himself shared his thoughts about the latest economic saber-rattling with the calm demeanor that has guided investors through countless storms.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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The hotel welcomed dogs for a modest fee, offering a bowl and a sign at the door.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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