mien

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mien contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mien are bearing, carriage, demeanor, deportment, and manner. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.

a mien of supreme self-satisfaction

When is it sensible to use bearing instead of mien?

In some situations, the words bearing and mien are roughly equivalent. However, bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

Where would carriage be a reasonable alternative to mien?

While in some cases nearly identical to mien, carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

When can demeanor be used instead of mien?

The words demeanor and mien can be used in similar contexts, but demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

When could deportment be used to replace mien?

Although the words deportment and mien have much in common, deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

When would manner be a good substitute for mien?

While the synonyms manner and mien 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

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 mien And deservedly so: With so much going on under Shin-ae’s surface, the audience relies on Do-Yeon’s shifting mien to show us that even in the wake of unbearable tragedy, a range of feeling and human experience endures. Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024 Come the crash of 2008, David’s leisure-world empire collapses, and Abraham’s patriarchal mien and tolerance turn to crabby solitude with the prospect of unloading their dream for pennies on the dollar. Gordon Cox, Variety, 2 Aug. 2024 Gone were the white medical coats and dour miens of Kinsey and Masters and Johnson. Louis Bayard, Washington Post, 15 July 2024 In mien, in dress, in catch phrase and in temperament. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for mien 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mien
Noun
  • Here's a look at what comes next: Will Trump take office as a felon?
    Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • His demeanor and posture changed immediately, as did his team’s.
    Mladen Kresic, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The juxtaposition of her nonchalant demeanor and the chaos around her has struck a chord with viewers.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • These works delve into themes of identity, history, and personal growth, but their presence on library shelves has faced relentless pushback.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Official German statistics count more than 970,000 of them living in Germany, where politicians are making their presence a hot political debate ahead of elections in February.
    Rob Schmitz, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • These limits are not part of the formal policy but are shaped by the workplace environment, including the behavior and attitudes of leaders and colleagues.
    Christine Michel Carter, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • The clash of timing musically mirrors the combative attitudes and conflicting agendas of the various factions within the College of Cardinals.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • While product is key to the initial success of brands, a meaningful positioning delivered in an experiential manner can drive more cultural relevance and deeper long-term loyalty, which in turn enables brands to be more resilient in the face of market fluctuations.
    Santhi Ramesh, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The team is currently working out the manner of Campbell's departure, whether that be his release or suspension.
    Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The court filing in New York City did not specify the next appearance date for Mangione or when he might be transferred from custody in Pennsylvania to New York.
    Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The joint appearance Monday sent a message of family unity, and Beyoncé posted about her daughter on Instagram.
    Caché McClay, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Mien.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mien. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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