variants also metier

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun métier differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of métier are business, calling, employment, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

When would business be a good substitute for métier?

The synonyms business and métier are sometimes interchangeable, but business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When is calling a more appropriate choice than métier?

The meanings of calling and métier largely overlap; however, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

Where would employment be a reasonable alternative to métier?

While in some cases nearly identical to métier, employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

In what contexts can occupation take the place of métier?

While the synonyms occupation and métier are close in meaning, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When is it sensible to use pursuit instead of métier?

The words pursuit and métier are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When might work be a better fit than métier?

In some situations, the words work and métier are roughly equivalent. However, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for métier
Noun
  • Now, the 28-year-old is aiming to defend his title in his specialty event, the 200-meter dash.
    Paras J. Haji, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Miami-Dade schools are funded on a per student basis, and fewer overall children enrolled means millions of dollars less to maintain school facilities and fewer students to fill out specialty programs like arts and magnet schools.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And your decisions affect other things.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Our main quibbles were with the fans—fan buzz and a lack of more fan filtration are two things to contend with—but experienced PC builders will find workarounds.
    Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Partygoers headed to the Fireshade Room for cocktail hour and the reception, where there were speciality drink menus featuring the bride and groom's pups, Frankie and Ted.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Grab breakfast or lunch at The Roots Restaurant, savor smoked brisket at Cryderman’s Barbecue, or sample fresh seafood and Southern specialities at Backwater.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Métier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/m%C3%A9tier. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!