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 Olivia Rodrigo One artist adhering to the trend in this manner is Olivia Rodrigo. Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Sugar first gives Ray a chance to walk away in the most peaceful manner possible, but Ray refuses his offer of a new life in Panama. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026 An autopsy at the time determined the manner of death was homicide, although the exact cause of death could not be determined. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 The court filing also included body camera footage and text messages that captured the casual manner in which some immigration agents discussed operations, including using slurs against immigrants. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • The etiquette of posting on social media can be tricky to navigate—especially for new parents.
    Parents, Parents, 25 July 2026
  • Asked whether his first dates — sorry, podcast editions — should ideally end with a kiss of sorts gets Glassman to his stand-up act, where talk of dating etiquette and rules fill his comedic quiver.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Contract talks, weekly management and free agency are the three areas where the mode has felt scripted for years.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The latter would be the second new model based on the V-12 this year, following the Manuale (picture up top) from earlier this month, which features a unique gearbox that offers both automatic and manual driving modes.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The kind who drive across town for the right crust and aren't afraid to wait for it.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Berto Industria Tessile, which specializes in premium denim for fashion, accessories and furniture and has a bespoke arm for one-of-a-kind fabrics, has played a key role in adapting the fiber for use in denim.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Another method of maintaining cybersecurity is a bit more rigid.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Most real-world cybercrime still relies on easier and cheaper methods, such as exploiting software vulnerabilities, stealing credentials, phishing, malware and ransomware.
    Chetan Jaiswal, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • These pups are actually much like cats with their quiet nature and calm demeanor.
    Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 28 July 2026
  • Some fixate on his emotional on-field demeanor, and others praise his reactions as expressions of passion tied to his want to win.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • In another conversation, Marcee Gray brought up an online drawing showing Colt alongside the Columbine shooters and Parkland gunman Nikolas Cruz in the style of a Weezer album cover.
    Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Lesnar sat up Undertaker-style and planted Femi with not one or two but three F5s.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Virgo season starts on August 22, which means the end of the month will be focused more on a sort-of quiet luxury approach to life rather than being loud and in the spotlight.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Alternatively, take in views of a different sort on the islands of Møn and Nyord, both of which have achieved Dark Sky Park designation; at nighttime, their unpolluted skies light up with stars.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Asked about Apple’s AI offerings, including the upcoming Siri AI, Cook said the company saw an opportunity in running more AI directly on users’ devices, an approach that Apple believes can appeal to privacy-minded users.
    Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 31 July 2026
  • Several years in the making, the formula went through multiple rounds of development before landing on an approach that feels refreshingly straightforward.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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