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 Gerry was an older gentleman with a quiet, unassuming demeanor. Jed Brewer, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2025 The beauty, whose warmth was showcased previously during her days hosting on QVC, is known for maintaining a cheerful, positive demeanor, even amid challenges. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 3 Nov. 2025 Praise abounded for the 36-year-old, with three fellow veterans commending Rojas not just for his play, but also for his demeanor. Katie Woo, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025 In that sense, however, Farrell’s naturally grim demeanor fits right in. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • Certain symptoms that signaled addictive food behavior were also more common among women, like inability to decrease intake, greater cravings and distress about their consumption.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the disastrous repercussions from the previous year also force Lucy and Stephen’s friends to face their own destructive behaviors.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In some cases, actions of the British armed forces have been described as unjustified.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Majumdar lavishes her characters with careful attention, and so the reader comes to regard their most troubling actions as justified, if not inevitable.
    Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • For those keen to find pieces that possess similar attitude and individuality, the fall collections have plenty of to offer.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
  • That no-nonsense attitude seems to come naturally for Debi Mazar, who has made a name for herself as a character actress going back decades.
    Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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