Definition of deportmentnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun deportment contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of deportment are bearing, carriage, demeanor, manner, and mien. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

When can bearing be used instead of deportment?

The synonyms bearing and deportment are sometimes interchangeable, but bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

When is carriage a more appropriate choice than deportment?

The words carriage and deportment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

In what contexts can demeanor take the place of deportment?

Although the words demeanor and deportment have much in common, demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

When is it sensible to use manner instead of deportment?

While the synonyms manner and deportment 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 could mien be used to replace deportment?

The meanings of mien and deportment 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 deportment His subsequent placement in ICE custody made his deportment case the most prominent in the new Trump administration. Juwayriah Wright, Time, 23 Apr. 2025 Dress, deportment, and public speaking were all stressed. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2025 Was Hill’s deportment absolutely perfect? Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025 Why cast a hearing actor with tremendous charisma next to a deaf actor who is made out (in costuming, grooming and general deportment) to be a schlub? Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for deportment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deportment
Noun
  • British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that Andrew’s damaging behavior has left the monarchy vulnerable and fueled public mistrust.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The collar will help scientists understand the movement patterns and reproductive behavior of the Sierra Nevada red fox, providing key insights to guide conservation efforts.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Family members of the victims who attended the execution told The Associated Press they were unsettled by Simpson's demeanor in the death chamber.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Ōkunoshima is home to over 1,000 rabbits, who roam the island freely, and are known for their unusually friendly demeanor.
    Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Laporta’s last two actions as president before the election process were to renew Fermin’s contract until 2031 and abandon the European Super League project.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Jackson County alerted local schools to continue monitoring the issue, but law enforcement did not have probable cause to arrest or take other actions, according to the statement.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deportment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deportment. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on deportment

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