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 Your posture, and the way his demeanor and stare changes in an instant. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025 By steadily building a following over the years, Karsten Runquist, a 27-year-old aspiring director with an affable and unassuming demeanor, has become, by some measures, one of today’s most prominent movie reviewers. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025 Sound familiar to Kalabar’s demeanor? Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 While Simmons and Frehley were known for their complex and often fraught relationship, Frehley’s unpredictable nature and distinctive laugh counterbalanced Simmons more somber, business-minded demeanor. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • Donald’s vindication, after so much slimy behavior, felt abrupt.
    Judy Berman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The reckless attitude and behavior can intensify existing matters.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Anything can impact a president's rating, such as legislation passed, actions and elections.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Cargill explained her actions following a commercial break.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The conversation seems to have marked a shift in the right’s attitudes about Fuentes.
    Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Is that indicative of a telling contrast in attitudes?
    Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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