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 Corey asked later, referencing Pearsall’s courtroom demeanor. — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2026 Produced by Universal Global Television, The Five Star Weekend is centered on Hollis Shaw, a famed cook and best-selling author known for her delicious recipes, impeccable taste, and warm demeanor, who suffers a devastating loss. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 Alvarez now views Burke’s demeanor at the Withered pop-up in a different light. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 Heatstroke Can Cause Personality Changes People with heatstroke often experience major changes in their demeanor and personality. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demeanor
  1. behavior
  2. actions
  3. attitude
Noun
  • Some restrictions on cadres are not outright bans, and many have learned to read between the lines and regulate their own behavior to avoid trouble.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The warning signs can be easy to miss, because the behavior often looks like discipline.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of behavior
Noun
  • Then in August, the UK AI Security Institute shared a report detailing how Anthropic’s Mythos 5 took autonomous, unsanctioned actions on the internet in a training evaluation, targeting real people and organizations.
    — Tim Keary, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Colorado attorneys used the email as part of their argument that the Executive Office of the President should be required to turn over additional records related to those actions.
    — Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of actions
Noun
  • The cast share the characters’ disparate attitudes toward queerness.
    — Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
  • An infrared seeker helps identify the threat, while onboard divert and attitude controls steer the vehicle toward an intercept.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

Nglish: Translation of demeanor for Spanish Speakers

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