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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demure
Playing into the formal black-tie feel of the night, Meghan Markle rolled up to the festivities wearing a demure—but very chic—black ensemble.
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Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
For accessories, the lady bag, the soft clutch, demure lady-like pumps at Chanel and Dior, the fringe mule, the rose shoe at Dior and Givenchy and thong sandals.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Banks, like many other legacy institutions, rely on this demure acceptance of a deficient user experience.
—Ran Nahmias, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Sofia the First boasts a princess who is not demure, but instead loves adventure and stands up for what’s right.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demure
Adjective
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Soft blush and ivory tones, satin bows, lace details and dainty ornaments make your space feel dreamy and coquettish.—
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Kardashian's coquettish bow headband was a surprisingly traditional and festive look for the All's Fair star, who generally prefers a sleeker hairstyle or long, loose waves versus sweet or cheeky accessories.—
Adjective
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Running back Ryan Walters was just shy of 100 yards picking up 99 on 16 carries.—
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Now McCaffrey is four yards shy of reaching 600 rushing yards and joining a club with Marshall Faulk and Brian Westbrook as the only NFL players with four seasons of 600-plus yards both rushing and receiving.—
Adjective
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Just a meek statement requesting support for peaceful protest from the same regime that will imprison its citizens even for the thought of it.—
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Born in a stable among animals, Jesus entered the world humble and meek, not with the grandeur of a king.—
Adjective
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Aston Martin also has its own customization studio in Manhattan, but this one makes no attempt to be coy.—
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As for whether the show is officially heading to Greece, both Star and Collins remained coy but shared hopes to do so.—
Adjective
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
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Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Adjective
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Singer Island has a humble personality, with more reverence for its natural beauty and less regard for glamorous perfection than its southern neighbor.—
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This humble ingredient is a powerhouse in all kinds of cooking.—
Adjective
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Seductively kittenish, Gardner lives up to her profane reputation.—
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Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.—
Adjective
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At times, the new mom gets bashful about the attention she’s received since returning to the team.—
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Livestreaming isn’t the same as actually being there and seeing the fabric flow, the textures, the audience reaction and the bashful designer with their head down, forced onto the runway at the end of each show.—
Cite this Entry
“Demure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demure. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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