mien

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mien contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mien are bearing, carriage, demeanor, deportment, and manner. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.

a mien of supreme self-satisfaction

When is it sensible to use bearing instead of mien?

In some situations, the words bearing and mien are roughly equivalent. However, bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

Where would carriage be a reasonable alternative to mien?

While in some cases nearly identical to mien, carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

When can demeanor be used instead of mien?

The words demeanor and mien can be used in similar contexts, but demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

When could deportment be used to replace mien?

Although the words deportment and mien have much in common, deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

When would manner be a good substitute for mien?

While the synonyms manner and mien 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

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 mien Unlike Rhoades, a vituperative colossus, however, Williams brings a steely determination and a Joe Friday, just-the-facts mien to his lawyering in the court of public opinion. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024 Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s classic novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, the film sees the then 25-year-old actor metamorphose into a high-flying and seductive swindler with impeccable style and an impenetrable mien. Adam Sanchez, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2024 And deservedly so: With so much going on under Shin-ae’s surface, the audience relies on Do-Yeon’s shifting mien to show us that even in the wake of unbearable tragedy, a range of feeling and human experience endures. Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024 Come the crash of 2008, David’s leisure-world empire collapses, and Abraham’s patriarchal mien and tolerance turn to crabby solitude with the prospect of unloading their dream for pennies on the dollar. Gordon Cox, Variety, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mien 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mien
Noun
  • The celebrity hairstylist aimed to create a polished look while keeping the curls intact and frizz-free.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Here's a look at the celebrations in Philadelphia after Super Bowl 59.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Thomas’ confidence was, in many ways, a product of de Lannoy’s coaching, where his friendly and encouraging demeanor helped Thomas grow from a shy freshman to a vocal upperclassman.
    Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • But rather than raise alarm, her listless demeanor ends up dredging up difficult conversations with her mother (Betty Buckley), her friends (Samantha Mathis and Robin Tunney) and later still with a creepy, stalking neighbor (Clifton Collins Jr.).
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Catalan Films, the region’s promotional body, will have a strong presence at the European Film Market with a dedicated stand at the Gropius Bau.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Elordi, always a magnetic presence, embodies the force of the quiet man.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Van Buren returns shortly with a newly contrite attitude, having come around to his library’s merits and read up on Toth’s prior designs in Hungary.
    Anthony Paletta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Yet, people have a new, more favorable attitude toward his presidency in retrospect, certainly compared to the current occupant of the White House.
    Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • She was formally charged with Donohue's murder Thursday after an autopsy found his cause and manner of death to be a homicide by stabbing.
    Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
  • City government and departmental happenings were covered in a manner that helped to better inform the town citizenry.
    Tom Redman, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Remember, in the past six years, the Chiefs have started a different left tackle in each of their five Super Bowl appearances.
    Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Among the opponents was Lake Central, whose recent run of dominance included an appearance in the 4A state championship game last year.
    Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near mien

Cite this Entry

“Mien.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mien. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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