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 Though the frigid headmaster answers their questions about his wife and his own timeline without flair, his demeanor immediately puts Annie on edge. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 July 2026 The Five Star Weekend follows Jennifer Garner as Hollis Shaw, a famed cook and best-selling author known for her delicious recipes, impeccable taste, and warm demeanor, who suffers a devastating loss. Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 July 2026 Despite this testy demeanor, fine hair is a little misunderstood. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 July 2026 With his bushy beard and a grumpy demeanor that belies a tender-hearted soul, Neill was destined to play a role like Hector. Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • The company aims to shift consumer behavior, encouraging annual laptop upgrades rather than long-term use, creating a predictable launch window and an economy of scale that rivals struggle to replicate.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Some people go through traumatic events and tend to either emulate the behavior later in life or avoid it and go in the opposite direction.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • In June, The View even invoked the face and voice of its founder, the late Barbara Walters, in an on-air ad that criticized the FCC and urged viewers to push back against the organization’s actions.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026
  • None of the characters has convincing motivation for their actions or words.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • The early Olympic movement reinforced those same attitudes by barring women from major track and field events altogether.
    Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Agazero’s new take on the genre retains a similarly ambivalent attitude toward the dancefloor.
    Amanda Cavalcanti, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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