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 Meet Arista, a gorgeous calico girl with playful eyes and a soft demeanor, who was saved from attempting to survive alone on the streets. Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025 Behind her dark wardrobe and dour demeanor lies benevolence and bravery. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025 While Benzino had the flow down, some catchy one-liners, and a confident demeanor, critiques can be made about the subject matter in the Boston rapper’s brazen bars. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 31 July 2025 Others will focus on his athleticism and demeanor and see a player who works hard staying attached. Dane Brugler, New York Times, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • Demonstrating a clear return on investment requires connecting improved behaviors and decision-making with tangible business outcomes.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • As observed through their youngest daughter as the film’s protagonist, a family of six’s move to a new home seems to trigger erratic, dangerous behavior in their oldest son.
    Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
  • For some government employees, levels of access to this information is determined by their job functions via a formal security clearance process and vetting actions.
    Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • These attitudes, ranging from judgments about individual behaviors to criticism of the chronically poor, are shaping policies that affect millions of people.
    Stephanie Armour, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025
  • What Is Generational Financial Trauma Generational financial trauma refers to physical, psychological, and emotional inheritance of attitudes and beliefs that are influenced by financial stress and financial anxiety experienced by previous generations.
    Rahkim Sabree, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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