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 To date, more than 11,000 TikTok users have commented on the post, with many voicing their comedic takes on the viral moment and the cat's obliging demeanor. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 But investigators were struck by her calm and calculated demeanor during early questioning. Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025 Great demeanor, great willingness to come out here to work to get better. Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 29 May 2025 According to Knight, her demeanor didn’t line up with someone who was allegedly fearful or traumatized by her past association with Diddy. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
Noun
  • Barking is still a natural behavior for deaf dogs, and while the tone or volume may differ, their need to vocalize remains.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • Leaders should stop trying to contain this behavior and instead find ways to guide and amplify it.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
  • For some government employees, levels of access to this information is determined by their job functions via a formal security clearance process and vetting actions.
    Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Almost like a Draymond — not Draymond’s attitude, but the mentality.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Jamie Foxx reflected on his current attitude toward fame during a new interview.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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