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 Beyond his musical talents, Sanders is known for his genuine and approachable demeanor. Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, as Mark slips into his new blue costume, signaling a darker shade of his demeanor, Oliver is growing rapidly and becomes the fledgling superhero Kid Omni-Man. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2025 Their smiles appeared forced, with Harris folding her arms defensively and Biden displaying a disinterested demeanor. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 The 2-minute video of his turtle encounter has gotten thousands of views, reactions and comments, including from some who marveled at the man’s calm demeanor. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • In participating in those extreme acts, Saha said, people fall victim to a group psychology that both permits and encourages more extreme behavior.
    Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The team was able to produce similar behavior using models of a Majorana zero mode.
    John Timmer, Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • At the same time, record global temperatures and California’s aggressive regulatory actions served as stark reminders of the urgency of balancing energy growth with sustainability.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
  • While the Supreme Court ruled in a very broad decision last term that the President has absolute immunity for official actions, that ruling does not apply to his subordinates throughout the executive branch.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Instead of repeating his laissez-faire attitude toward his own administration, the Republican president is asserting control at every opportunity, backed up by loyalists at all levels of government.
    Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The interview, which focused on attitudes toward Israel, sparked controversy, and even Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder of Paramount Global, rebuked CBS News executives for slamming the correspondent.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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