manner

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 The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office has found Raquel Marie Morales’ cause and manner of death to be undetermined after her remains were found in a Surprise landfill nearly six months ago. Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 5 Oct. 2025 The coroner's office did not list Evans' cause or manner of death. Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025 For some, this makes thrifting a stressful proposition, and that stress can lead to bad behavior—and bad manners. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 The interior design by Francesco Paszkowski in collaboration with Margherita Casprini incorporates furniture with strong curves, rugs with shapes that define the spaces in a non-traditional manner. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Bustle surveyed readers about money etiquette and found that 90% wouldn’t bother with a Venmo request for less than $10.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The etiquette expert was King Charles III’s butler from 2004 to 2011.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Instagram has installed a new privacy setting which will default all new and existing underage accounts to an automatic private mode.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Evolved space birds going full samurai mode.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But from a young age, Keaton seemed to understand that actual beauty, the timeless kind, required a degree of depth, even darkness.
    Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The novel application of the existing test is described in preliminary, first-of-its-kind research to be presented Tuesday at the 38th ECNP (European College of Neuropsychopharmacology) Congress in Amsterdam.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Gold, which is inert and safe for biological systems, is at the heart of this method.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • To navigate these headwinds, sponsors and corporates are employing more creative deal structures including joint ventures with buyout options and continuation vehicles amongst other methods, Mergermarket said.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Like the sea goat, Velma has a serious demeanor and a no-nonsense take on her analyses of the spooky hauntings.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • His cheerful demeanor has returned, and the family is adjusting to life with EpiPens tucked in every bag.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the face of that, Keaton’s off- and sometimes on-duty style represented limitless possibilities, and a previously incomprehensible kind of freedom.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Today, this restaurant wins over patrons with American-style comfort fare, like burgers, steaks, and sweet potato casserole.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This same approach has previously proven effective in detecting diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, and prostate cancer.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Autio points to Nokia, Finland’s one-time giant mobile maker, as an example of the pros and cons of the Nordic approach.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Another source explained how Andrew and Anne differ in their attitudes as royals.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Levshunov’s attitude should help.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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