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 Multiple sources familiar with the working of the treasurer’s office praised Plessy Cloud’s work and professional demeanor. — Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026 His reputation for having a gruff demeanor, Sweet says, is accurate, but attack ads that portray him as antagonistic toward women go too far. — Julia Terruso, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 Democrats see opportunity Cooke’s calm demeanor and focus on her part-time work as a waitress in the district mark a noticeable difference from the adrenalized campaign style of Van Orden. — Dan Simmons, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 Underneath Anthony Cabrera’s soft voice and quiet demeanor is a man who keeps a box of heads in his basement. — Rebecca Deurlein, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • If billionaires are not going to change their behavior when taxed in such a fashion — in this case by leaving California — then there is no reason to not dun them next year in the same fashion and every year thereafter.
    — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Researchers can tune a network’s structure using this self-adjusting behavior, which limits how many neighbors each particle binds to.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • United Nations commissions have formally concluded that Russian military actions amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity — murder, forced displacement and systematic persecution.
    — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
  • None of this absolves Karen of responsibility for her actions, and sober counselors will readily tell you that the process of recovery can and often does fundamentally alter a relationship’s dynamics.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • All of it is designed to feel like your own personal New England retreat, without the total do-it-yourself attitude of an Airbnb or unnecessary hand-holding of a hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Keeho lands somewhere hopeful, with his mindset shaping the attitude the group carries into BLOW UP, in part thanks to seeing Charli xcx’s Music, Fashion, Film Tour at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum that week.
    — Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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