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 And though his career was prolific, Frawley was notoriously difficult to work with and was fired from some of his projects to his unfriendly demeanor. —Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 10 May 2025 Although prospective jurors were not at court, Diddy kept up his demure outfit and demeanor. —Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 9 May 2025 Supporters praise his calm demeanor, intellectual rigor, and ability to navigate complex political terrain, often describing him as a stabilizing force in the Vatican. —Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 Thanks to community support and Andre's sweet demeanor, the dog went home with an Atlanta family in early May. —Michelle Boudin, People.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
  1. behavior
  2. actions
  3. attitude
Noun
  • Commissioner Rob Manfred issues his ruling following the completion of the investigation of allegations of improper behavior towards a number of women against former manager and coach Mickey Callaway.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
  • In a Manhattan federal criminal courtroom, rapper and producer Sean Combs is facing an overdue reckoning for years of predatory behavior.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 May 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
  • With devil-may-care attitude, Johnson found joy in every stanza, operating in total synergy with Angus Young.
    — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Armed with such an attitude and unencumbered by expectation, Arsenal produced one of its great performances, Stina Blackstenius’ goal in the 74th minute proving the difference between the two teams.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.

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