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 That one detail — along with his demeanor, his precision — gives readers a load of texture. Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2025 Skye even correctly guesses how long Billy has been microdosing ‘shrooms, based on his chill demeanor. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025 But the blind man ends up befriending the creature, having no sense of its frightening demeanor. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Aug. 2025 Yet, somewhere along the line, Vulcans have become the butt of the joke with their stiff, snobbish demeanor a source of ridicule for their (supposedly) more progressive human shipmates. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • How toxic workplaces emerge When managers fail to set clear expectations, communicate openly and model respectful behavior, dysfunction spreads and a toxic workplace is born.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Harmful behaviors are not an uncommon occurrence in Indiana schools.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Across the country, immigration enforcement actions have intensified.
    David Rodriguez Muñoz, Freep.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Before receiving his sentence, Johnson asked the judge to view his actions from the perspective of a father.
    Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This yuckster attitude was apparently contagious, because Gray herself got in on the act on a day in which she was scheduled to kiss the young hunk Christopher Atkins, who had a recurring role for one season as a camp counselor.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
  • His hands-on approach and demanding attitude combines with high popularity.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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