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

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 mien Unlike Rhoades, a vituperative colossus, however, Williams brings a steely determination and a Joe Friday, just-the-facts mien to his lawyering in the court of public opinion. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024 Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s classic novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, the film sees the then 25-year-old actor metamorphose into a high-flying and seductive swindler with impeccable style and an impenetrable mien. Adam Sanchez, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for mien 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mien
Noun
  • The exterior is crafted from high-quality pebble leather that offers a sleek and sophisticated look.
    Lauren Fischer, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Of course, naked looks have been all the rage lately, and Julia has never been one to play it modest—but at the same time, going fully nude is still way more shocking than just flashing your nipples or baring your butt.
    Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His facial expressions conveyed a balance of seriousness and power, tempered with a calm, consoling demeanor that projected control.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Along the way, Freeman has won over fans, students, alumni, administrators and boosters not only for winning but for his calm and positive demeanor, deep faith and interactions in private and public settings.
    Tim Casey, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In the heart of midfield, Bergvall was a lively, almost ethereal presence, dancing into spaces to receive the ball, drawing a man, and then passing into space.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Known for its sweet bread, the company has expanded its offerings over the decades and seeks to solidify a larger presence in the NASCAR community.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • My jokes are Mike Franks’, my attitude is Mike Franks.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Regarding distribution prospects in India, Churi expressed optimism about changing audience attitudes.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • And so the manner of death — suicide or homicide — remained an open question.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Compelling subject matter only goes so far when presented in such a bland, familiar manner.
    Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • As he was being transferred from a Cabarrus County shelter, a worker at Lake Norman Humane couldn’t help but notice his appearance.
    Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The production marks Owen’s first appearance on the National’s stage in over a decade.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near mien

Cite this Entry

“Mien.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mien. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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