Synonyms of demeanor

demeanor

noun

di-ˈmē-nər 

as in behavior

the way or manner in which one conducts oneself

her warm demeanor made us feel at home

Synonyms & Similar Words

• behavior
• actions
• attitude
• presence
• manners
• comportment
• conduct
• deportment
• trait
• address
• bearing
• characteristic
• look
• posture
• style
• etiquette
• courtesy
• geste
• decorum
• pose
• politeness
• affectation
• poise
• mien
• form
• practice
• proprieties
• aspect
• habit
• air
• civility
• mores
• rules
• formality
• carriage
• mode
• attribute
• pattern
• distinctiveness
• protocol
• custom
• fashion
• uniqueness
• convention
• amenity
• strangeness
• peculiarity
• singularity
• trick
• weirdness
• p's and q's
• habitude
• wont
• oddity
• mark

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

Recent Examples of demeanor

Of course, once Carey got her hands on one of her signature whistle notes (those really, really high pitches that very few singers can achieve) her voice strengthened, if not her performance demeanor, which remain staid and almost nervous and uncomfortable throughout. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026

The Royals lauded Wacha for his pitching insight and calm demeanor. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2026

The guests here are affluent but not ostentatious; their demeanor and dress are relaxed. —Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026

Fudd wears the same cool, neutral expression in every scenario on the court, her demeanor unflappable to anyone on the outside looking in. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!