Definition of demeanornext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun demeanor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of demeanor are bearing, carriage, deportment, manner, and mien. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

Where would bearing be a reasonable alternative to demeanor?

The words bearing and demeanor can be used in similar contexts, but bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

When is it sensible to use carriage instead of demeanor?

Although the words carriage and demeanor have much in common, carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

When would deportment be a good substitute for demeanor?

While in some cases nearly identical to demeanor, deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

When could manner be used to replace demeanor?

While the synonyms manner and demeanor are close in meaning, manner implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others.

the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders

When can mien be used instead of demeanor?

The meanings of mien and demeanor largely overlap; however, mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.

a mien of supreme self-satisfaction

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of demeanor Where Aston’s mid-engine milestone distances itself from its 1,139 hp Valkyrie sibling is in its ability to display a more genteel demeanor in public. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026 Lomu did not fit the typical profile Mike Vrabel seeks in linemen, players with a nasty streak and fierce play demeanor. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 Zoo staff describe the little one as adventurous with a confident demeanor. Ryan Brennan april 24, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 People on Reddit had a lot to say about Charles’ appearance and demeanor. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • The behavior of a suspect in the murders of two University of South Florida students from Bangladesh worsened over time from marijuana use, family members told deputies after his arrest three years ago for punching his brother in the face and kicking his mother in the back.
    Mike Schneider, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The large-scale, deterministic behavior of physical systems naturally becomes imprecise and unpredictable, dissolving the divide between the classical and quantum realms.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As the Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, your actions speak louder than your intentions.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Avdija took exception to Castle’s actions and shoved him.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Even so, nuclear is the closest point of convergence between the two parties — a rare area where attitudes are narrowing rather than widening.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • But the team attitude appears to be in a healthy place.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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