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 Payne's demeanor is not reactive, but reassuring. Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026 Dobin said her celebration reflects a personality that is vastly different from her demeanor during matches. Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 And four-times nominated Chalamet, who is 30, conducted a wildly innovative marketing campaign, first for the A24 film — which has grossed $157 million worldwide — then for the Oscar, changing his fashion and demeanor with every appearance. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2026 But here the police had adopted the calm, slightly imperious demeanor of Nurse Ratched dealing with a mental patient. Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • The protest comes on the heels of the investigation in The New York Times detailing allegations of abusive behavior and exploitative labor practices inside Noma’s Copenhagen kitchen from 2009 to 2017.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Balancing robots in orbit The concept draws inspiration from everyday human behavior.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The research focused on helping Valkyrie adapt to changing conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and quickly connect visual information with physical actions for real-world robotic operations.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • And also for Iran itself, where the regime is apparently still in charge of the armed forces even with the successful actions by the Israelis and the Americans.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How this shapes political attitudes, empathy and prevention outcomes remains underexplored.
    Arnaud Kurze, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel regularly praised Tonga for his attitude and work ethic inside the building.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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