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 of demeanor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Maintaining a calm demeanor will stifle any attempt to turn a situation from something simple into something chaotic. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2024 The wave pattern of this one compliments the fairytale-like demeanor of the rest of the home and, of course, parallels the rustic nature of this cottage kitchen. Camille Freestone, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024 Imagine handling difficult situations with ease and maintaining a calm demeanor. Bronwen Sciortino, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 Don’t play games — be honest and up front not only in demeanor and gestures but, in words. The Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for demeanor 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demeanor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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