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 In one poignant storyline, Rosa struggles with her parents’ initial lack of understanding, a moment made even more impactful by her typically stoic demeanor. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Just his demeanor, the way he was still connected with us, not really playing selfish in any way. —Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025 But as the conversation progressed his demeanor changed. —Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2025 In these instances, the comedy came from the contrast in their appearance and demeanor after the day's festivities. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
  1. behavior
  2. actions
  3. attitude
Noun
  • Woman 'Unknowingly' Moves to Germany With Army Husband, Then Stays For 10 Years A third commenter penned a lengthy response critiquing the woman's behavior towards her husband.
    — Erica Gerald Mason, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Sean Hartnoll has been analyzing the chaotic behavior found inside black holes in the hopes of coming up with a quantum theory of gravity.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Wired News, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of behavior
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
Definition of actions
Noun
  • But the pooch's positive attitude and adaptability to his wheelchair changed everything.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The new information highlights Google’s attitudes towards those who choose the regular model and those who go Pro.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
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 24 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of demeanor for Spanish Speakers

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