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 Fawning could easily be mistaken for an easygoing and polite demeanor, but teens who exhibit these types of behaviors often struggle to express their own needs. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 5 July 2026 Kate Middleton has followed in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, in many ways—from her fashion and demeanor to inheriting her title. Tessa Petak, InStyle, 3 July 2026 Lanky with striking red hair and a cocky demeanor, Clapper was dogged and respected by his fellow cops. Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 That’s more like it, although Haaland reverted to his refreshing aw-shucks demeanor when asked about his latest brace of goals. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • The second question is cost behavior, meaning what the bill does when tool calls double and when agent volume falls short of the vendor’s assumptions.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Orange cats have a reputation for silly behavior and outlandish antics, but the science doesn't back that up.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • In a White House news release listing 60 actions the administration has taken as part of its America First agenda to restrict immigration, the first four actions were decisions by the Supreme Court.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Lesnick said the department would move those Arkansans to other plans without any actions required from them at the moment.
    Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Americans’ attitudes toward the economy have improved slightly as gas prices declined, but their outlook remains mostly negative.
    Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Wilder’s work has since faced criticism for depicting some ghastly attitudes toward Native Americans.
    Judy Berman, Time, 9 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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