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 And that cool demeanor has translated well both inside the clubhouse and out. Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2025 His demeanor continues to impress teammates and personnel around the team. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025 With good baseball instincts, and with enough athletic ability to be a versatile player, Isaac Collins has the ability, the baseball demeanor, and the confidence to continue to contribute to the winning Milwaukee Brewers team culture. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 That might be the best way to describe the contrast between Naperville North senior defensive tackle Gabriel Hill’s dominance on the football field and his low-key demeanor off it. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • Tactics will remain flexible to adapt to changing fire behavior and operational conditions.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Gallup and Korn Ferry research confirm that up to 80% of team engagement is shaped by leadership behavior.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
  • For some government employees, levels of access to this information is determined by their job functions via a formal security clearance process and vetting actions.
    Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The America at Home Study reports these changing attitudes are driven by economic and climate conditions in a fourth wave of its survey that was recently released in partnership with the Housing Innovation Alliance and the University of Pittsburgh’s Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation.
    Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Prior to their wedding, the couple faced backlash when fans criticized her behavior on social media after the Kennesaw State University alum seemingly had a bad attitude while Hunter posed with his fans at an event.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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