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 As important and inspiring as any is the one camouflaged by Fred Warner’s business-as-usual, ultra-fiery demeanor. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 Our second president, John Adams, was said to have had a sarcastic demeanor and made biting remarks about his contemporaries. John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 Throughout camp, Campbell has been bullish on Miller, a first-round pick, praising his consistency and demeanor. CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026 However, his gruff demeanor and foul language prove to be less than ideal for live television. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • King was the same person before and after, even if her behaviors became less mysterious.
    Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • If a maxxing trend encourages awareness of healthy behavior, that can be genuinely useful.
    Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Meta and Anthropic also disclosed their own systems took unsanctioned actions during cybersecurity tests, a wake-up call for the AI and cybersecurity industry.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • This allows the system to learn individual movements and combine them into more complex actions.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Before Gus could take on that role, Bell first had to find a dog with the right attitude for the job.
    Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In a sport like golf, where grinders like Clark are revered, that sort of head-down, do-the-work attitude may be what ends up appealing to fans.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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