Here you’ll find 73 personality traits that start with S, organized from “Sarcastic” to “Systematic”. They include social styles, thinking habits, and stable emotional tendencies useful in writing, teaching, and self-reflection.
Personality traits that start with S are single-word or common hyphenated descriptors of habitual behavior, thought, or emotion. For example, “stoic” has deep roots in ancient Greek philosophy and still describes a stable emotional stance.
Below you’ll find the table with Trait, Definition, and Usage.
Trait: The single-word label for the characteristic; you use it to identify and sort traits quickly.
Definition: Short, plain description of the trait’s typical behavior, thought, or emotion, useful for quick understanding.
Usage: Examples of contexts or short notes on how the trait appears in relationships, work, or writing.
Personality traits that start with S
| Trait | Synonyms | Related dimension | Typical behaviors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarcastic | Caustic, ironic, mocking | Low Agreeableness | Using irony to mock; making sharp, cutting remarks. |
| Savvy | Shrewd, astute, perceptive | Openness to Experience | Making practical and clever judgments; quickly understanding situations. |
| Scholarly | Studious, academic, intellectual | Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness | Spending much time studying; enjoying learning; engaging in academic pursuits. |
| Scrupulous | Conscientious, meticulous, principled | Conscientiousness | Being very careful and attentive to detail; acting with a strict moral code. |
| Secretive | Reticent, uncommunicative, private | Low Extraversion, Low Openness | Intentionally hiding information; being reluctant to share thoughts or feelings. |
| Secure | Confident, self-assured, untroubled | High Emotional Stability | Feeling free from fear or anxiety; showing confidence in oneself and relationships. |
| Self-assured | Confident, self-possessed, poised | High Extraversion, High Emotional Stability | Expressing opinions confidently; acting with certainty; not needing external validation. |
| Self-centered | Egocentric, narcissistic, selfish | Low Agreeableness | Focusing excessively on oneself; lacking consideration for others’ needs or feelings. |
| Self-conscious | Awkward, insecure, inhibited | High Neuroticism | Feeling unduly aware of oneself; being easily embarrassed; worrying about others’ opinions. |
| Self-controlled | Disciplined, restrained, temperate | Conscientiousness | Resisting impulses; managing emotions and behaviors effectively; delaying gratification. |
| Self-deprecating | Modest, humble, self-mocking | High Agreeableness, Humility (HEXACO) | Making fun of oneself; downplaying one’s own achievements with humor. |
| Self-disciplined | Self-controlled, determined, diligent | Conscientiousness | Sticking to routines; working towards goals without supervision; managing time well. |
| Self-effacing | Humble, modest, unassuming | High Agreeableness, Humility (HEXACO) | Not claiming attention for oneself; acting in a modest, retiring way. |
| Selfish | Inconsiderate, self-seeking, egocentric | Low Agreeableness, Low Honesty-Humility (HEXACO) | Prioritizing personal gain over others’ well-being; showing a lack of generosity. |
| Selfless | Altruistic, unselfish, considerate | High Agreeableness | Helping others without expecting a reward; prioritizing others’ needs over one’s own. |
| Self-reliant | Independent, self-sufficient, autonomous | High Conscientiousness, Low Neuroticism | Relying on one’s own powers and resources; solving problems independently. |
| Sensible | Practical, reasonable, prudent | Conscientiousness | Making wise and practical judgments; choosing functional over flashy options. |
| Sensitive | Perceptive, responsive, easily affected | High Neuroticism, High Openness | Reacting strongly to emotional or sensory stimuli; being easily hurt by criticism. |
| Sentimental | Nostalgic, tender, emotional | High Agreeableness, High Neuroticism | Being easily moved by memories or feelings; valuing items for their emotional connection. |
| Serene | Calm, tranquil, placid | High Emotional Stability (Low Neuroticism) | Remaining calm in stressful situations; maintaining a peaceful and untroubled demeanor. |
| Serious | Sober, solemn, earnest | Low Extraversion, High Conscientiousness | Approaching tasks with solemnity; preferring deep conversation over small talk. |
| Shallow | Superficial, trivial, facile | Low Openness to Experience | Lacking depth of character or intellect; judging by appearances; avoiding deep topics. |
| Shameless | Brazen, unashamed, audacious | Low Conscientiousness, Low Agreeableness | Acting without a sense of shame; violating social norms without remorse. |
| Sharp-witted | Quick-witted, clever, astute | High Openness to Experience | Responding with clever and intelligent remarks; quickly understanding complex situations. |
| Short-tempered | Irritable, quick-tempered, irascible | High Neuroticism, Low Agreeableness | Becoming angry quickly and easily; having a low tolerance for frustration. |
| Shrewd | Astute, sharp, calculating | High Conscientiousness, High Openness | Making sharp, practical judgments; accurately assessing situations for personal advantage. |
| Shy | Bashful, timid, reserved | Low Extraversion, High Neuroticism | Feeling awkward or nervous with new people; avoiding social situations; speaking quietly. |
| Silly | Goofy, playful, frivolous | High Extraversion, Low Conscientiousness | Acting in a playful and fun-loving way; making lighthearted jokes. |
| Sincere | Genuine, heartfelt, honest | High Agreeableness, Honesty-Humility (HEXACO) | Expressing genuine feelings; acting without pretense; being honest and straightforward. |
| Single-minded | Determined, focused, resolute | High Conscientiousness | Concentrating on one particular aim or purpose; being undeterred by distractions. |
| Skeptical | Disbelieving, doubtful, cynical | Low Agreeableness, Low Trust | Questioning claims and assertions; requiring proof before accepting something as true. |
| Sloppy | Careless, messy, disorganized | Low Conscientiousness | Producing careless work; having a disorganized space; dressing in a messy way. |
| Sly | Cunning, crafty, wily | Low Agreeableness, Low Honesty-Humility (HEXACO) | Using cunning to deceive others; acting in a secretive and devious manner. |
| Smug | Complacent, self-satisfied, superior | Low Agreeableness, Low Humility | Showing excessive pride in oneself; having an air of irritating satisfaction. |
| Snobbish | Elitist, arrogant, condescending | Low Agreeableness | Believing one’s tastes are superior; looking down on those deemed socially inferior. |
| Sociable | Gregarious, outgoing, friendly | Extraversion | Enjoying the company of others; seeking out social gatherings; being friendly and talkative. |
| Soft-hearted | Kind, compassionate, tender-hearted | High Agreeableness | Being easily moved to pity or sympathy; showing kindness and generosity readily. |
| Soft-spoken | Gentle, quiet, mild-mannered | Low Extraversion (low assertiveness) | Having a quiet and gentle voice; speaking in a mild and unassertive manner. |
| Solemn | Grave, somber, serious | Low Extraversion | Having a formal and dignified manner; lacking humor; showing deep sincerity. |
| Solitary | Reclusive, unsociable, withdrawn | Low Extraversion (Introversion) | Preferring to be alone; avoiding social gatherings; enjoying solitary activities. |
| Sophisticated | Cultured, refined, worldly | Openness to Experience | Having developed taste in culture and art; showing worldly knowledge and experience. |
| Sparing | Frugal, thrifty, economical | High Conscientiousness | Using money and resources carefully; avoiding waste; being moderate in consumption. |
| Spirited | Lively, energetic, vivacious | High Extraversion | Showing great energy and enthusiasm; being full of life and courage. |
| Spiteful | Malicious, vengeful, vindictive | Low Agreeableness | Showing or caused by malice; desiring to harm, annoy, or offend someone. |
| Spontaneous | Impulsive, uninhibited, impromptu | Low Conscientiousness, High Extraversion | Acting on sudden impulses; making unplanned decisions; being open to sudden changes. |
| Stable | Even-tempered, consistent, composed | Emotional Stability (Low Neuroticism) | Not prone to sudden mood changes; remaining calm and predictable under stress. |
| Staid | Sedate, serious, traditional | High Conscientiousness, Low Openness | Having a respectable and unadventurous character; being conventional and serious. |
| Standoffish | Distant, aloof, reserved | Low Extraversion, Low Agreeableness | Acting distant and cold; avoiding familiarity; seeming unfriendly or unapproachable. |
| Steadfast | Loyal, faithful, committed | High Conscientiousness, High Agreeableness | Being resolutely firm and unwavering; showing great loyalty to people or causes. |
| Stern | Strict, severe, authoritarian | Low Agreeableness, High Conscientiousness | Enforcing rules strictly; having a serious and unrelenting manner; rarely showing warmth. |
| Stingy | Miserly, ungenerous, parsimonious | Low Agreeableness | Being unwilling to give or spend; lacking generosity with money or resources. |
| Stoic | Unemotional, impassive, resilient | High Emotional Stability | Enduring pain or hardship without complaint; not showing feelings or emotions. |
| Straight-laced | Proper, prim, conventional | High Conscientiousness | Having or showing very strict and conventional moral attitudes. |
| Straightforward | Direct, frank, uncomplicated | High Agreeableness, Honesty-Humility (HEXACO) | Being direct and honest in communication; having an uncomplicated and open nature. |
| Strategic | Calculating, tactical, shrewd | High Conscientiousness, High Openness | Planning actions to achieve long-term goals; thinking several steps ahead. |
| Strict | Stern, severe, demanding | High Conscientiousness, Low Agreeableness | Demanding that rules are obeyed; maintaining high standards; not allowing deviation. |
| Strong-willed | Determined, resolute, headstrong | High Conscientiousness, Low Agreeableness | Persisting with a course of action despite opposition; being difficult to influence. |
| Stubborn | Obstinate, headstrong, inflexible | Low Agreeableness | Refusing to change one’s mind or course of action; being difficult to persuade. |
| Studious | Scholarly, diligent, academic | Conscientiousness | Spending a lot of time studying; being dedicated to learning and academic work. |
| Stuffy | Staid, formal, conventional | Low Openness to Experience | Being boringly conventional and old-fashioned; lacking originality or freshness. |
| Suave | Charming, sophisticated, urbane | High Extraversion | Acting charming, confident, and elegant; being smooth and polished in social situations. |
| Submissive | Compliant, yielding, deferential | Low Extraversion (low assertiveness), High Agreeableness | Yielding to the authority of others; being ready to conform to others’ wishes. |
| Subtle | Understated, nuanced, discerning | High Openness to Experience | Communicating in nuanced ways; appreciating fine distinctions; being perceptive. |
| Sulky | Sullen, morose, pouting | High Neuroticism | Being silent and bad-tempered out of annoyance; refusing to be cooperative. |
| Sullen | Morose, surly, gloomy | High Neuroticism, Low Agreeableness | Being bad-tempered and sulky; having a gloomy and resentful silence. |
| Sunny | Cheerful, happy, optimistic | High Extraversion, High Emotional Stability | Having a cheerful and bright disposition; consistently looking on the bright side. |
| Supercilious | Arrogant, haughty, condescending | Low Agreeableness, Low Humility | Behaving as though one is superior to others; showing scornful pride. |
| Superficial | Shallow, frivolous, facile | Low Openness to Experience, Low Conscientiousness | Lacking depth; concerned only with the obvious; focusing on appearance over substance. |
| Supportive | Encouraging, helpful, caring | High Agreeableness | Providing encouragement or emotional help; being reliably present for others. |
| Surly | Sullen, bad-tempered, unfriendly | Low Agreeableness, High Neuroticism | Being bad-tempered and unfriendly; interacting in a rude or brusque manner. |
| Suspicious | Mistrustful, distrustful, wary | Low Agreeableness (low trust) | Having a cautious distrust of someone or something; believing others have harmful intent. |
| Sympathetic | Compassionate, empathetic, caring | Agreeableness | Feeling or showing pity for others’ misfortune; understanding others’ feelings. |
| Systematic | Methodical, orderly, organized | Conscientiousness | Acting according to a fixed plan; approaching tasks in a logical, step-by-step way. |
Descriptions
Sarcastic
A tendency to use bitter or cutting irony in remarks. While it can be a form of humor, it often carries a negative, mocking, or contemptuous edge in communication.
Savvy
Having shrewdness and practical knowledge. Savvy individuals demonstrate good judgment and a keen understanding of situations, especially in business or politics.
Scholarly
A personality characterized by a strong interest in learning and academic pursuits. This individual enjoys studying, acquiring knowledge, and engaging in intellectual activities.
Scrupulous
Possessing a diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive nature, often with a strong sense of right and wrong. Scrupulous individuals are meticulous in their work and moral in their conduct.
Secretive
An inclination to conceal feelings, intentions, or information from others. Secretive people are often private and reserved, preferring to keep their personal affairs to themselves.
Secure
A state of feeling confident, safe, and free from fear or anxiety. In relationships, this reflects a stable sense of self-worth and trust in others’ affections and reliability.
Self-assured
A trait marked by a calm confidence in one’s own abilities, qualities, and judgment. Self-assured individuals trust themselves and project an air of poise and certainty.
Self-centered
The tendency to be preoccupied with one’s own needs, interests, and perspectives, often to the exclusion of others. This trait involves a lack of empathy and consideration.
Self-conscious
A distressing awareness of oneself as being observed and judged by others. This trait is marked by feelings of insecurity, awkwardness, and a high sensitivity to potential criticism.
Self-controlled
The ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses. It is a key aspect of achieving long-term goals.
Self-deprecating
A tendency to make light of one’s own weaknesses or failures, often through humor. It can be a sign of humility and social grace, used to put others at ease.
Self-disciplined
The ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it. It involves a strong sense of personal resolve, diligence, and control over one’s actions.
Self-effacing
A tendency to make oneself inconspicuous or to play down one’s own accomplishments. It stems from a place of modesty and humility, not necessarily from a lack of confidence.
Selfish
A trait characterized by a primary concern for one’s own welfare or advantage, often at the expense of or with disregard for others. It reflects a lack of consideration and generosity.
Selfless
Having more concern for the needs and wishes of others than for one’s own. Selfless individuals are often altruistic, generous, and willing to make sacrifices for the greater good.
Self-reliant
The quality of depending on one’s own abilities, judgment, or resources. Self-reliant people are independent and capable of managing their own affairs without outside help.
Sensible
A tendency to possess and show good sense or judgment. Sensible individuals are practical, realistic, and prudent in their decisions and actions, avoiding extravagance and recklessness.
Sensitive
Being quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences. This can manifest as high emotional responsiveness, empathy, or being easily affected by one’s environment.
Sentimental
A tendency to be prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia. Sentimental individuals are often deeply moved by memories and place high value on emotional connections.
Serene
A quality of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. Serene individuals possess a tranquil disposition and are not easily agitated, maintaining their composure even under pressure.
Serious
A disposition characterized by a thoughtful, solemn, and earnest approach to life. Serious individuals are typically not frivolous and tend to consider matters with gravity and sincerity.
Shallow
A lack of depth in emotion, intellect, or character. Shallow individuals are often concerned with superficial things and may avoid complex or profound thought and feeling.
Shameless
The quality of being insensible to disgrace. Shameless individuals act without concern for social disapproval or moral judgment, often in a bold or audacious manner.
Sharp-witted
Having or showing a quick and inventive mind. Sharp-witted individuals are mentally agile, able to understand things quickly and make clever, often humorous, comments.
Short-tempered
A tendency to become angry very easily. Individuals with this trait have a low threshold for frustration or annoyance and may react with sudden, intense anger to minor provocations.
Shrewd
Having or showing sharp powers of judgment. A shrewd person is astute and practical, often able to turn a situation to their own advantage through clever understanding and assessment.
Shy
A feeling of nervousness, timidity, or awkwardness in the company of other people. Shyness often involves a fear of social judgment and leads to avoidance of social situations.
Silly
Exhibiting a lack of common sense or judgment in a playful, amusing, and often endearing way. A silly personality is characterized by lighthearted fun and a lack of seriousness.
Sincere
The quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy. Sincere individuals are genuine in their feelings and actions, expressing what they truly think and believe.
Single-minded
Having or showing a singular, determined purpose. A single-minded person concentrates on only one aim, pursuing it with great focus and resolve, often to the exclusion of other things.
Skeptical
A tendency to have doubts or reservations about something, rather than accepting it at face value. Skeptical individuals are not easily convinced and often question the validity of claims.
Sloppy
A trait characterized by carelessness and a lack of attention to detail, order, or neatness. It can manifest in one’s work, personal appearance, or living environment.
Sly
A disposition to be cunning and deceitful, often in a secretive or underhanded way. Sly individuals are adept at manipulation and achieving their goals through clever trickery.
Smug
An excessive and irritating pride in oneself or one’s achievements. A smug person often projects an air of self-satisfaction and superiority that can be off-putting to others.
Snobbish
A tendency to believe one belongs to a social elite and to look down on those considered inferior. Snobbishness involves condescending behavior and an admiration for high social status.
Sociable
The quality of being willing to talk and engage with other people. Sociable individuals enjoy and seek out company, finding social interaction to be stimulating and rewarding.
Soft-hearted
A tendency to be gentle, kind, and compassionate. Soft-hearted individuals are easily moved by the suffering of others and are quick to show sympathy and offer help.
Soft-spoken
A quality of speaking with a gentle, quiet voice. This trait is often associated with a mild, non-aggressive, and calm personality.
Solemn
A character that is formal, dignified, and marked by a lack of cheerfulness. Solemn individuals approach matters with a deep sincerity and gravity, often appearing somber or pensive.
Solitary
A preference for being alone or spending time in solitude. Solitary individuals are often introverted and may find social interaction draining, preferring their own company.
Sophisticated
Having a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture. A sophisticated person is often cultured, refined, and aware of complex social or intellectual matters.
Sparing
A tendency to be moderate, frugal, and economical with resources. Sparing individuals avoid waste and are careful about how they use their money, time, and possessions.
Spirited
A personality full of energy, animation, and courage. A spirited individual is lively and determined, often showing a vibrant and assertive character that is hard to subdue.
Spiteful
A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone. A spiteful person is motivated by malice and may engage in petty, vengeful acts to cause distress to others.
Spontaneous
A tendency to act as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination, without premeditation. Spontaneous people are often flexible, uninhibited, and enjoy novelty and improvisation.
Stable
A personality that is not likely to give way or overturn; firmly fixed. Emotionally stable individuals are calm, even-tempered, and less likely to experience negative feelings.
Staid
A quality of being sedate, respectable, and unadventurous. Staid individuals often prefer traditional ways and have a serious, somewhat solemn, and conventional demeanor.
Standoffish
A tendency to be distant and reserved. Standoffish individuals often appear cool and unfriendly, avoiding close social contact and maintaining an emotional distance from others.
Steadfast
A quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. Steadfast individuals are exceptionally loyal, dependable, and committed to their beliefs, friends, or duties.
Stern
A serious and unrelenting disposition, especially in the assertion of authority and maintenance of discipline. Stern individuals are strict, often appearing severe or forbidding.
Stingy
A reluctance to give or spend. A stingy person is ungenerous, often to an extreme degree, and will go to great lengths to avoid parting with money or other resources.
Stoic
The quality of enduring pain or hardship without showing one’s feelings or complaining. Stoic individuals maintain a calm and impassive demeanor in the face of adversity.
Straight-laced
A tendency to be excessively proper and adhere strictly to conventional moral standards. A straight-laced person is often seen as prim, formal, and easily shocked by nonconformity.
Straightforward
A tendency to be uncomplicated, honest, and easy to understand. Straightforward individuals communicate in a direct and frank manner, without hidden agendas or complexity.
Strategic
A cognitive style characterized by careful, long-term planning to achieve a particular goal. Strategic thinkers are adept at analyzing situations and devising effective plans of action.
Strict
A tendency to demand that rules concerning behavior are obeyed and observed. Strict people are exacting in their standards and do not permit deviation or compromise easily.
Strong-willed
Being very determined to do something, even if other people advise against it. Strong-willed individuals are resolute and firm in their purpose, often bordering on stubbornness.
Stubborn
A determined refusal to change one’s attitude or position on something, despite good arguments or reasons to do so. Stubbornness involves a high degree of obstinacy and inflexibility.
Studious
A disposition for diligent study and learning. Studious individuals are characterized by their dedication to academic pursuits and their enjoyment of acquiring knowledge through reading and research.
Stuffy
A personality that is dull, formal, and excessively conventional. Stuffy individuals are often resistant to new ideas and can come across as pompous or overly conservative.
Suave
A charming, confident, and elegant demeanor. Suave individuals are typically smooth and sophisticated in their social interactions, often in a polished and sometimes calculated way.
Submissive
A readiness to conform to the authority or will of others. Submissive individuals are meekly obedient, often yielding to others’ judgment or desires without resistance.
Subtle
A personality that is delicate, understated, and capable of making fine distinctions. Subtle individuals are perceptive and often communicate in clever or indirect ways that are not immediately obvious.
Sulky
A tendency to be morose, bad-tempered, and resentful, often by refusing to talk or cooperate. Sulkiness is a form of passive protest stemming from annoyance or disappointment.
Sullen
A persistently gloomy and bad-tempered disposition. A sullen person is often silent and resentful, showing their ill-humor through a refusal to engage cheerfully with others.
Sunny
A consistently cheerful, bright, and happy disposition. Individuals with a sunny personality are optimistic and radiate a warmth and positivity that can be infectious to others.
Supercilious
Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others. Supercilious individuals are characterized by an air of arrogant and condescending superiority.
Superficial
A trait of existing or occurring at or on the surface. In personality, it means lacking depth of character or understanding and being concerned only with what is obvious or apparent.
Supportive
A quality of providing encouragement, help, or emotional strength to others. Supportive individuals are reliable, empathetic, and actively work to assist and uplift those around them.
Surly
A bad-tempered and unfriendly disposition. Surly individuals are often morose and prone to rude, abrupt, or ill-humored behavior in their interactions with others.
Suspicious
A tendency to have a cautious distrust of someone or something. Suspicious people are often wary of others’ motives and may believe that others are trying to deceive or harm them.
Sympathetic
The quality of feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy. Sympathetic individuals are moved by the suffering of others and are able to understand and share their feelings of sorrow or distress.
Systematic
A tendency to act according to a fixed plan or system. Systematic individuals are methodical, orderly, and efficient, preferring to approach tasks in a structured and organized manner.