Definition of mannernext
1
as in etiquette
manners plural personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting the young man's impeccable manners are an unmistakable sign of a good upbringing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in mode
a distinctive way of putting ideas into words the former doctor writes his novels very much in the manner of someone who is used to observing the smallest details

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun manner contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manner are bearing, carriage, demeanor, deportment, and mien. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," 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 bearing be used instead of manner?

The meanings of bearing and manner largely overlap; however, bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

When could carriage be used to replace manner?

The words carriage and manner 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 manner?

The synonyms demeanor and manner are sometimes interchangeable, but demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

When is deportment a more appropriate choice than manner?

The words deportment and manner can be used in similar contexts, but deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

Where would mien be a reasonable alternative to manner?

In some situations, the words mien and manner are roughly equivalent. 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 manner Even behind the anchor desk, Rather’s inquisitive manner and reporter’s instincts for confrontation were well known. — Walter Podrazik, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 But to behave in this manner in these particular circumstances, and so soon after the incident at RAF Fairford, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of judgment. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 Cornell University Police did not respond to questions about details of the length, time and place of the interview or other details of the manner of questioning before publication. — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 Maturity Employers value maturity in a manner that transcends age. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Interview etiquette remains increasingly contentious, as recruiters disagree on which rules to keep.
    — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In an era when everyone totes water bottles from the gym, to breakfast meetings, to the office, and then to dinner, the lines of personal beverage etiquette have blurred.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Benchmarks like this would identify where agents break down in complex financial workflows, then turn those failure modes into reinforcement-learning environments.
    — Wen Shao, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • That dual-mode capability allows the Navy to manage aircraft with different GPS configurations during the transition.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Rodriguez described her daughter as kind, compassionate and full of life.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Tío Xavier persona that Becerra supporters have trotted out — a kind, chuckling sage — isn’t what California needs right now.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Vintage cleaning methods like vinegar, baking soda, and bleach are effective, affordable, and versatile cleaning agents.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2026
  • On the outside, the versatility continues with seven distinct carry methods.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Were tactical arrangements sufficient without symbolic signaling, police training would not need to be so heady, their demeanor so heavy.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • First Deputy Superintendent Antoinette Ursitti possesses the knowledge, skills, ability, demeanor and experience to thrive in the top position.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Adopting techniques from classic-Hollywood style, cinematographers dusted off antiquated equipment, using tungsten bulbs instead of LEDs to create the low-key contrasts typical of the genre.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Its official music video, which was uploaded in 2019 and now clocks up one billion views, was shot in the style of a telenovela.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Yard art of any sort is a bad idea, according to Jonathan Self, a real estate broker at Compass.
    — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But Clemson reeled the Tar Heels back in, slowing down a rushing attack led by Benjamin Hall (130 rushing yards) and making quarterback Billy Edwards, by the end, look flustered and out of sorts.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The stone leans toward or away from the steel; the steel approaches or withdraws from the stone.
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Raffles Bali also takes a responsible approach to waste management, using compost fertilizer made from kitchen and landscape waste and repurposing calcium carbonate-rich eggshells from the restaurants for organic fertilizer in the herb garden.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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