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 While many are old safari hands (including the polished guide Patrick Siabunkululu), others have never worked in the bush before, but have been chosen for a can-do demeanor and smiles. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Becerra, a former state attorney general with a measured demeanor, quickly gained momentum, rising from the mid-single-digits in polls to the top of the Democratic field. Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026 But don't let his calm demeanor fool you. Joelle Goldstein, USA Today, 1 June 2026 Just a lot more calm in my demeanor. Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • Campbell also believes that Sorsby's behavior doesn't rise to the level that would justify such action anyway, telling Dakich that schools have let players with much worse transgressions play.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
  • Long-term stress changes the brain, affecting mood, memory, behavior, attention spans and decision-making.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Those requests must be tied to specific needs and response actions and are evaluated through the state's Drought Task Force.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • Prior to 2020, the agency received, on average, records of 6,000 teacher license actions annually from all 50 states, Adams said.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Together, the stories aim to show how our attitude toward animals is largely dependent on context and species.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • Considering the misguided attitudes of many Gen Z voters, there’s no time to waste.
    Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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