demure
Americanadjective
-
characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved.
- Synonyms:
- retiring
- Antonyms:
- indecorous
-
affectedly or coyly decorous, sober, or sedate.
- Antonyms:
- indecorous
adjective
-
sedate; decorous; reserved
-
affectedly modest or prim; coy
Synonym Usage
See modest.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of demure
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English dem(e)ur(e) “well-mannered, grave,” from Anglo-French demuré, past participle of demurer “to demur”; perhaps influenced by Old French mur, mëur “grave, mature” (from Latin matūrus ); see origin at demur
Explanation
A demure person can be described as polite and a little shy. A demure outfit is a modest one — think high neckline and low hem. Demure is a word you don't hear a lot these days, but it used to be a huge compliment for a woman or a girl, for them to be considered shy and quiet and modest. The word demure comes from an French term that means "sober, grave, or serious."
Vocabulary lists containing demure
Advanced English Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Years ago, the shy, demure White House chief of staff suggested to President Obama that America “should never let a good crisis go to waste.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026
Even before her husband’s death and her takeover as CEO of TPUSA, she was a highly-educated career woman only playing at being the demure housewife for his audiences.
From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2026
Others opt for the registry office and a demure lunch with close friends, and prefer to save their money for a house.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 25, 2025
She’d ask for news of the tenants by name and demure every time he told her they were willing to pay more.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 12, 2024
She caught me looking once and gave me a demure little smile while I blushed.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
Cicely, six months younger, was much more quiet and steady on the surface, though her twinkling brown eyes belied her demurer manners, and proclaimed her ready for anything in the shape of fun.
From The Manor House School by Dixon, Arthur A.
And you have seen a cat conscious of approaching cream: such was Miss Haythorn; she became demurer and demurer.
From Stories by English Authors: England by Hardy, Thomas
Of course, if they be still exuberant, they may show it, and stamp their lustiest; still a demurer step will usually suggest itself as the more appropriate.
From The Morris Book, Part 1 A History of Morris Dancing, With a Description of Eleven Dances as Performed by the Morris-Men of England by Sharp, Cecil J.
She bowed to him, and passed on in her grave and stately manner: more calmly observant, demurer eyes were not in the Park.
From Sunrise by Black, William
Even the demurest little maiden cherishes the hope that some fate may send her to the battle-field, or that in some way she may be permitted to serve her country.
From The Lady of the Decoration by Little, Frances, [pseud.]
"Please be seated, Captain Hocken," said Mrs Bosenna, covering inward merriment with the demurest of smiles.
From Hocken and Hunken by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir
"Hand the stick to Mr. Marston Greyle, Mr. Copplestone," said Audrey in her demurest manner.
From Scarhaven Keep by Fletcher, J. S. (Joseph Smith)
He threw up his arms to ward off the threatened attack, and when he opened his eyes and peered out she was sitting on the table with the demurest of expressions upon her countenance.
From Otherwise Phyllis by Gibson, Charles Dana
Or who in Moscow toward the Czar With the demurest of footfalls, Over the Kremlin's pavement white With serpentine and syenite, Steps with five other generals—" "That's no good.
From Stalky & Co. by Kipling, Rudyard
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
