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
Compared with Sanchez’s getup, the buttoned-up Adam Lippes coat and wide-brimmed Eric Javits hat worn by Melania Trump to the Inauguration were tasteful, even demure.
—
Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
TikTok users struggled to be demure (another viral TikTok trend) but, in the end, many of them didn’t stick around for the Supreme Court to rule or for the federal ban to take effect.
—Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025
The avant-garde silhouette was the perfect mixture of demure yet eye-catching—and rebuked the idea that directors cannot have as much fun with fashion as their leading stars.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025
This maid was masking something in her demure and mindful way.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for demure 
Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
TikTok users struggled to be demure (another viral TikTok trend) but, in the end, many of them didn’t stick around for the Supreme Court to rule or for the federal ban to take effect.
—Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025
The avant-garde silhouette was the perfect mixture of demure yet eye-catching—and rebuked the idea that directors cannot have as much fun with fashion as their leading stars.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025
This maid was masking something in her demure and mindful way.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
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In all, just shy of 7,000 claims have been filed in the six weeks of the new year, or about 55% more than in the prior six-week period.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2025
-
But biodegradable straws made by Good Start Packaging cost just shy of three cents, Jacobus said.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Misty is really Joe Brown, a meek hotel accountant, but after 30 minutes with makeup, a fantastic outfit, and big hair — shazzam!—
Sandra Dallas,
The Denver Post,
2 Feb. 2025
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Flip-up covers on the front and rear boxes open up a pair of rather meek storage areas for carrying your shopping bags around, and the rear cover makes a small concession to comfort, revealing a half-inch thick seat pad when it's fully flipped open.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
From fairly early on, Paradise puts its cards on the table and, from there, isn’t really coy at all.—
Daniel Fienberg,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Asked if Democrats were trying to incite that clash, Bera was coy.—
Alex Gangitano,
The Hill,
29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Steve Mariucci and the coaching staff didn’t seem to know what to make of Rice, who had become more temperamental and withdrawn.—
Jerry McDonald,
The Mercury News,
12 Feb. 2025
-
The expressions on these youthful figures are intent and heartfelt: obedient, frightened, absorbed, wary, withdrawn, cruel, proud, sly, or shy.—
Michael Bracewell,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Neville has always been humble about his playing career, instead pointing to the talent of those around him, from Cantona to Beckham and many others in between.—
Matt Slater,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
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Though Saturday Night excoriates Chase as a haughty frat-adjacent character and the actor’s reputation as being difficult to work with precedes him, an early writer paints a more humble picture.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
McNally is professionally bashful about such associations.—
Matthew Schneier,
Vulture,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Some of the folks were happy to have their pictures taken, while others were more bashful and/or private, preferring that only their watch be photographed.—
Allen Farmelo,
Robb Report,
26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Standout benefits: This account earns a modest amount of interest on your balance and doesn’t require a minimum.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2025
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Meanwhile, in Glendale, Ariz., where Hoyer’s friend Chris Getz is running the show, the hope for the White Sox is much more modest.—
Jon Greenberg,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to demure
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Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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