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 Crowe's blunt demeanor has led to headlines in the past, including in December 2025, when the actor spoke out against Gladiator II's screenplay, which revealed that Paul Mescal's character, Lucius, was actually Maximus' out-of-wedlock son. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 26 May 2026 Knight faced an avalanche of shots last season — 1,583, the fourth-most in the NHL — and handled the flurry without a change in his calm demeanor. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026 With her gentle demeanor, Suzette is sure to bring warmth and joy to any loving home. Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 23 May 2026 Still, his demeanor has been calm and focused with Syracuse. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • The headline-splashing arrest came after LaBeouf claimed to be sober, blaming past abusive behavior on alcoholism.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
  • Castellanos developed a strained relationship with the Phillies in his final season, when his behavior — even more than his sagging production — became too much for the organization.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Despite those actions, the Center for Effective Lawmaking, a joint project from Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia that analyzes items moving through Congress, ranked DeGette as below average in effectiveness in eight of 14 terms analyzed.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • As the video drew more attention, protesters gathered at the Shelby Police Department Friday to denounce the officer’s actions and call on the department to take action before he was fired, CNN affiliate WBTV reported.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Although service is not quite polished, the happy-go-lucky Dutch-Caribbean staff are refreshingly devoid of attitude.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The show has always affected a devil-may-care attitude, but in previous seasons, less-wearying — not to say light or uplifting — moments came up as a result of the chemistry between the young ensemble.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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