mien

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mien contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mien are bearing, carriage, demeanor, deportment, and manner. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.

a mien of supreme self-satisfaction

When is it sensible to use bearing instead of mien?

In some situations, the words bearing and mien are roughly equivalent. However, bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

Where would carriage be a reasonable alternative to mien?

While in some cases nearly identical to mien, carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

When can demeanor be used instead of mien?

The words demeanor and mien can be used in similar contexts, but demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

When could deportment be used to replace mien?

Although the words deportment and mien have much in common, deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

When would manner be a good substitute for mien?

While the synonyms manner and mien 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

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 mien Russell’s powerful, at times operatic, vocals and energetic stage presence proved the perfect foil for Ron’s distinctly quirky mien and adroit facility with words and keys. Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 But that's just the beginning of the modern-day princess mien. Marci Robin, Allure, 7 Apr. 2025 Perhaps Dylan’s hamburger waiter mien can be attributed to his lack of connection to something greater than himself. Samantha Allen, Them, 25 Feb. 2025 Bostwick grew up in Wyoming and cultivated a down-to-earth mien. Katie Roiphe Samantha Desz Krish Seenivasan Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mien
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mien
Noun
  • The ethereal look involved a dazzling asymmetrical gold corset that flaunted Kardashian's curves, accented with white details, including a tulle skirt with gold embellishments.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The hotel’s 142 rooms and suites are designed with a dark-wood and light-linen look—sort of Scandi meets Spanish colonial.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your posture, and the way his demeanor and stare changes in an instant.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025
  • By steadily building a following over the years, Karsten Runquist, a 27-year-old aspiring director with an affable and unassuming demeanor, has become, by some measures, one of today’s most prominent movie reviewers.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Though oversized, relaxed fits brought a streetwear edge to the scene, the presence of bootcut and flare silhouettes hinted at a slow shift back toward slimmer lines.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In the shorts, the mother’s spirit is a presence.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Longtime prejudices have meant that Latin artists have been regarded with suspicion, doubt, and even outrage throughout music history, but these attitudes have twisted into something far more intense and sinister as a result of the current administration.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Schottenheimer addressed the bizarre injury loss with a surprisingly positive attitude.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Ability to manage growth in a manner that reflects the reasons people find Matthews attractive, create a budget that is thorough and efficient, ability to work with citizens and town leaders to maintain Matthews’ sense of self.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Information should be shared in a timely, clear, and accessible way through multiple platforms, such as email, the district website, social media, newsletters, and in-person forums, so that families can engage in the manner that works best for them.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Blake Treinen got a pop-up and a strikeout to get out of that inning and now has had five effective outings in his six postseason appearances, after a miserable September.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The actor was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year, and in late September, made a rare virtual appearance at a Dawson's Creek reunion charity in benefit of F Cancer in honor of Van Der Beek.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mien.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mien. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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