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

Examples 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 Marcus Freeman, the 39-year-old coach with the cool demeanor and flawless hairline, is much harder to dislike, even for fans who have no particular affection for Notre Dame. Austin Meek, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 In her ten years as a phlebotomist, the one piece of feedback she’s always been happy to receive was the relief Carrie’s soothing demeanor brought to the experience. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025 But behind the self-effacing demeanor, allies of Ms. Wiles said, is a woman who can wield a scalpel. Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 The head coach’s demeanor in those moments doesn’t help players to loosen up and play freely, either. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for demeanor 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • The playbook also includes directions for various scenarios, such as reporting suspicious behavior or sharing new publicly available reports about new threat actors.
    Sam Sabin, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Scott Hutcheson, PhD explores leadership, team, and organizational performance from a biology of behavior perspective.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 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
  • Thanks to statistics like these, America’s attitude toward higher education is undergoing a major shift.
    Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Sheryl Lee Ralph credits her youthful appearance to a positive attitude and taking care of herself.
    Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near demeanor

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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