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 Greyeyes’s playful, salt-of-the-earth demeanor tempers Hailey’s hard-headedness. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 July 2025 His puppy dog demeanor was back, replacing the hangdog expression earlier. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 To his point, the salon is primarily a showcase for Omar King, a neurodivergent person of color whose folksy demeanor belies his raunchy writing style. John McDermott, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2025 Shelia and Rachel were again interviewed by police, this time sharing a slightly different story and changed demeanors, according to 20/20. Alex Gurley, People.com, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • As for longer-simmering, perhaps more structural market behaviors that should raise eyebrows?
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
  • The unusual behavior of Grok 4, the AI model that Musk’s company xAI released late Wednesday, has surprised some experts.
    Matt O’Brien, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
  • For some government employees, levels of access to this information is determined by their job functions via a formal security clearance process and vetting actions.
    Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But the hustle down the line that followed, resulting in a single for the visiting leadoff hitter to start Friday’s 7-6 win over the A’s, was a representation of Lukes’ hard-working attitude, according to his former head coach at Sacramento State, Reggie Christiansen.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
  • These remarks appear emblematic of the attitude of the football side of the business.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!