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 Tailor migration methods—batch for ERP/CRM, streaming for clickstreams. Devang Pandya, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Velasco now teaches on the White Mountain Apache reservation, and has won awards for his teaching methods. Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025 This method combines evolutionary history with statistical modeling to test relationships between physical traits and behavior. Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025 The inspector also noticed dirty equipment and improper food cooling methods. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • Hilleary, at the campaign event, also harshly criticized Biden’s immigration policies and his administration’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Powered by 70% rosemary water, oil, and extract alongside capixyl, this could be a great option for someone interested in a more natural approach, rooted in optimizing overall scalp health.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Breast augmentation has been among the top five most popular plastic surgery procedures for almost two decades, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and patients are discussing their implants more than ever before, down to specific surgical techniques.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Material to be covered includes choosing the right camera, choosing compatible accessories and techniques to produce pleasing night sky photographs.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To learn more about the interim pintail strategy, visit the Fish and Wildlife website.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Many SMBs are also exploring external partnerships as part of their strategy—not as a replacement for internal responsibility, but as a way to extend their capabilities.
    Ro'ee Margalit, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Their methodology, chemical liquid deposition (CLD), allows precise engineering and rapid testing of various metal-imidazole combinations.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
  • For example, the United Nations has an extensive AI ethics methodology (see my coverage at the link here), the NIST has a robust AI risk management scheme (see my coverage at the link here), and so on.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Financial reports, client data, or confidential business information can be uploaded in ways that sidestep official security and AI policies, often neutralizing safeguards intended to keep information safe.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Selena Gomez’s Emmys 2025 manicure was barely there, in the best way.
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • One of the fundamental factors influencing the sustainability of this withdrawal rate is the manner in which retirement funds are invested.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Foundations Over the course of a renowned 50-year career, evidenced by some 300 custom-house designs, the Los Angeles architect Richard Neutra evolved an exhaustive manner of interviewing clients, even by today’s standards.
    Richard Olsen, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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