Synonym Chooser

How is the word method different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of method are fashion, manner, mode, system, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

Where would fashion be a reasonable alternative to method?

The words fashion and method are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

How do manner and mode relate to one another, in the sense of method?

Manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

In what contexts can mode take the place of method?

Although the words mode and method have much in common, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When can system be used instead of method?

While the synonyms system and method are close in meaning, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might way be a better fit than method?

The words way and method can be used in similar contexts, but way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

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 method Dietitians reveal the methods that make almonds more nutritious, ranked from healthiest to least healthy. Merve Ceylan, Health, 29 Oct. 2025 Baltzer’s Deep Isolation specializes in deep borehole technology, a method long seen as a viable way to permanently ditch nuclear waste. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025 Psychological well-being was measured by happiness, life satisfaction and fulfillment, while sleep measures were assessed using a detailed statistical method. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025 The marbling method, a simple smoosh, pinch, and roll, creates bakery-worthy swirls in every cookie. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • And that remains their main source of concern — that the challenge of adapting to a third different manager and a third approach (albeit one similar in style to Nuno) might prove to be too much.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • This approach can reduce the overhead coordination of traditional innovation processes while maximizing the probability of generating top-tier ideas from the start.
    François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Given the ubiquity of stories and humanity’s vulnerability to them, citizens today would be wise to practice the skills of literary analysis, the very techniques routinely derided and devalued in a world committed to technology and tribalism.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • At the end of the day, that is what makes this show so special, rather than just another dance show, is because there’s an actual technique book based off of these dances that you guys are watching the couples dance.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The approach mirrors Xbox’s Play Anywhere strategy and recent messaging that strict exclusivity is outdated.
    Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • While the Hong Kong listing should enhance the company’s liquidity and visibility, Zephirin added that a valuation re-rating is unlikely without meaningful gains in capital efficiency or strategy execution.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • See more details on ABC News' survey methodology here.
    Emily Guskin, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Then, the three-judge Ninth Circuit panel on October 20 issued a stay on Immergut’s first restraining order — a ruling that could have paved the way for a deployment as the legal battle played out.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
  • But Ash sends himself and Genevieve all the way back to 1893 instead, leaving the stability of the entire universe at risk.
    Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • His second arrest came in the wake of the El Paso County Medical Examiner's Office completing their autopsy of Suzanne, whose manner of death was determined to be homicide.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • With Cutting's cause and manner of death ruled undetermined in his autopsy, and negative toxicology results, Ryan believes geolocation data and other digital clues could shed more light on his final hours.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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