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 Beneath his affable demeanor, the signs of worry and fear are beginning to show. Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026 Turner recalled his first game as a rookie in 2023 against the Seattle Seahawks, and Donald’s demeanor. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Not as verbally eloquent as Roosevelt, Eisenhower communicated with a broad smile and a confident demeanor. John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 In more aggressive settings, shifts can get a bit abrupt, but the gearbox’s general demeanor is that of quick-shifting capability that plays nicely with the hybrid power train. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • During a second-round match between two of tennis’ most combustible personalities, Ilie Nastase and John McEnroe, chair umpire Frank Hammond penalized and eventually defaulted Nastase for his behavior.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Try meeting their needs first and see if their behavior shifts.
    Juli Fraga, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Israel, which isn’t a party in the proceedings, strongly denies that its actions amount to acts of genocide.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Characters disappear, or have their attributes and actions assigned to different characters.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • It’s long ceased to be a neighborhood that puts on airs, an attitude that liberates us all tonight.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The lax attitude about their home base is just part of the gig.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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