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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2
as in shy
not comfortable around people
hesitant and demure, she hardly spoke a word at the banquet table
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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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Recent Examples of demure
Hannah Dodd will return in the role, continuing to play Francesca after taking over for Ruby Stokes in season 3.
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Victor Alli as John Stirling
Victor Alli will reprise his role as John Stirling, Francesca's quiet and demure husband.
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Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024
This is true for runway fireworks and demure catwalks alike.
—Martino Carrera, WWD, 18 Sep. 2024
But after Raphinha scored to make it 0-4 to Barcelona in the first El Classico of the season, the demure Italian made a beeline for his opposite number, Hansi Flick, to wag a finger in his face.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Yet there are other artworks in this show that qualify as demure: an empty room by Vilhelm Hammershøi or Édouard Vuillard’s portrait of a woman whose dress blends in with the wallpaper.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for demure 
Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024
This is true for runway fireworks and demure catwalks alike.
—Martino Carrera, WWD, 18 Sep. 2024
But after Raphinha scored to make it 0-4 to Barcelona in the first El Classico of the season, the demure Italian made a beeline for his opposite number, Hansi Flick, to wag a finger in his face.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Yet there are other artworks in this show that qualify as demure: an empty room by Vilhelm Hammershøi or Édouard Vuillard’s portrait of a woman whose dress blends in with the wallpaper.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
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The homes in the supertall are available in full-floor and duplex configurations, measuring just shy of 4,000 square feet to over 7,000 square feet.Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
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The New York Mets were two wins shy of reaching the 2024 World Series largely because of how well their starting rotation performed down the stretch.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The real estate agent she’s chosen happens to be the person most responsible for making Rhiannon such a meek, repressed person: her high school bully, Julia (Mood’s Nicôle Lecky).Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
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Jenn, while possibly the best person on the show, is too meek and too little in her own estimation.Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Neither man is coy about identifying as an activist.Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
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Speaking about getting closer to Savchenko during her time on the show, the model — who split from her husband Billy Haire in May — remained coy but didn’t shy away from praising the dance pro.Bailey Richards, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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When Marnie Was There A subtle, rewarding story about adolescence and identity based on a 1967 novel of the same name by British author Joan G. Robinson, When Marnie Was There follows Anna, a shy and withdrawn girl who struggles to connect to anyone.Matt Kamen, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2023
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Mara, though initially more withdrawn, eventually gives in to his charms, even though Matt isn’t exactly a typical leading man.Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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For years, car safety experts and everyday drivers have bemoaned the loss of the humble button.Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
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Along with your keepsakes, bring a humble and curious mindset.Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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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Of the three all-time men’s players who’ve dominated this era of the game—Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic—Nadal seemed to be the most bashful of the three.Sean Gregory, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024
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The spring’s boyfriend blush trend drags the pigment far beyond the usual target zone and focuses on rich layers to emulate a bashful expression.Akili King, Essence, 19 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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Noninterest income was $2.4 million, slightly down from $2.4 million in the previous year, with modest decreases in service charges and card processing income.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
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Godot’s games flourish on open indie storefronts like itch.io, where the engine enjoys modest popularity among the community.PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near demure
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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