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

Relevance
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

3
4

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 most recent death involved a man in his 60s whose manner of death was ruled a suicide, a spokesperson for the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office told FOX Business. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025 For my British mum, Paddington was manners, tea, and marmalade sandwiches. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2025 Halsey might be welcoming fans back to the badlands, but that doesn’t mean people are allowed to have bad manners at their shows. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025 Her cause and manner of death are pending. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • The short video clip sparked online debate about culture, class and proper etiquette for eating certain foods.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Taking the high-road—and practicing good meeting etiquette—can ultimately be an effective way to earn recognition, show genuine commitment, and build credibility.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Bike advocates, like nonprofit BikeWalkKC, co-founded by District 4 Councilor Eric Bunch, believe city ordinance changes are needed, but contend they should be focused on helping to protect cyclists and scooter operators, instead of restricting the usage of such modes of transportation.
    PJ Green November 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2025
  • There are also a limited number of challenges to undertake that require certain moves to complete, similar to Puzzle mode in older Lumines titles.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Two identical spacecraft will orbit in formation to provide a first-of-its-kind 3D view of Mars' magnetosphere and upper atmosphere.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Vacheron Constantin, for example, embarked on an ambitious project to fully remake its original American 1921 watch using the tools and techniques from the era in a one-of-a-kind piece.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Researchers have demonstrated that aqueous zinc-ion batteries can offer long-term cycling stability and higher energy density with a new method.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
  • From there, make a deposit with a secure payment method, like a credit card.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Cherry also resembles one of the best bigs in basketball in Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks, from the build to the high hair and the cool and calm demeanor.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • There was something wild and untamed about his whole demeanor, along with the look in his green eyes.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the David Lynch–style tension built by Will’s arrival just kind of fizzles.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • This take on tiramisu has all the flavors of a coconut cream pie but in the classic no-bake dessert style.
    Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The research team claimed that this approach enables AeroMap to capture the main effects of drag without the high computing demands of more detailed simulations.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
  • This uneven approach means leaders can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
    Feon Ang, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • For those keen to find pieces that possess similar attitude and individuality, the fall collections have plenty of to offer.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
  • That no-nonsense attitude seems to come naturally for Debi Mazar, who has made a name for herself as a character actress going back decades.
    Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on manner

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!