demeanor

noun

di-ˈmē-nər How to pronounce demeanor (audio)
Definition of demeanornext
as in behavior
the way or manner in which one conducts oneself her warm demeanor made us feel at home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 First Deputy Superintendent Antoinette Ursitti possesses the knowledge, skills, ability, demeanor and experience to thrive in the top position. — Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 While the numbers, or lack thereof in this case, speak for themselves, Harrison's demeanor and energy levels have also been noticeable over two weeks, and not in a good way. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026 At her trial, her stoic demeanor and shifting testimonies were nearly her ruin. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026 His restrained demeanor contrasts with Moreno, the brash former car dealer who entered politics as an outsider. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
  1. behavior
  2. actions
  3. attitude
Noun
  • Contracts tied to sporting events, entertainment or pop culture outcomes can very much resemble similar behaviors of gambling or entertainment.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • After two months, the parties could reassess Hamas’s behavior and devise a more durable mechanism for delivering aid.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of behavior
Noun
  • Now, Amy Helm has countersued the studio, alleging that her successor, Brian Parillo, used invalid corporate actions to take control of the famed music venue in Woodstock, New York, and improperly obtained voting power from Levon Helm’s widow.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Major reports about its immigration actions and pay-for-play operations have gotten significant airtime on the network and praise from Weiss.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of actions
Noun
  • The system provides information about an aircraft’s attitude, heading and position to flight-critical systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The survey does not isolate young men or measure political attitudes.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of attitude

Browse Nearby Words

demeaning
demeanor
demeanors
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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demeanor. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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