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 Mueller’s stern visage and taciturn demeanor matched the seriousness of the mission, as his team spent nearly two years quietly conducting one of the most consequential, yet divisive, investigations in Justice Department history. Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026 There was something about Norris — his deadpan delivery, his stoic demeanor, his sheer physical presence — that made the impossible feats attributed to him feel almost plausible, or at least hilariously perfect. Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2026 After the second, his demeanor was calmer, more relaxed. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026 But once in the ring my whole demeanor changed. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • Travel experts share key etiquette tips — from greetings to restaurant behavior — to help visitors blend in while exploring Paris.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Lawyers for the church argue that Morris’ agreements with the church preclude him from those benefits if he was fired or resigned because of immoral behavior.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the reigning champs frequently put Towns in defensive actions, often creating wide-open driving lanes to the rim, much to the ire of head coach Mike Brown.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • On the other side were Jews who tended to be far more concerned about the resurgence of antisemitism on the right, from the likes of Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes, and believed that Israel’s aggressive actions were partially responsible for making Jews unsafe.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And yet, my attitude was 'This is special.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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