Definition of methodnext

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 His method involves knowing exactly where buck beds are located, then getting as close to them as possible. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 This is different from the Federal Reserve's method, which uses credit-reporting data to track delinquency. Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 The research team identified opportunities to improve the atomic layer etching (ALE) approach, which offers significant advantages over the conventional methods but was plagued by difficulties for practical use. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Still another cheating method under consideration was to gain access to the Internet, where the agents could do research. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • Ultimately, Bessent’s approach is likely to fail, said Peter Boockvar, chief investment officer of One Point BFG Wealth Partners and editor of The Boock Report newsletter.
    Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, regarding Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, his tone has skewed dovish in recent months, favoring a wait-and-see approach to the impact of the Middle East conflict.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Along with colleagues, Gauti developed a technique for detecting planets around distant stars.
    Joe Palca, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The institute will examine microstructure measurement using soft X-rays while advancing information science techniques for X-ray analysis.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That's a step in the right direction as far as we're concerned, because Jim Cramer has been after Nvidia to institute an Apple-style stock repurchase strategy.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead of her Edinburgh appearance, Lyvers talked to THR about her team’s original content strategy, why ambition and characters are key, Sky’s film slate and how important, or not, franchises and star power are.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Semafor’s methodology and reproducible analysis code can be found in a public GitHub repository here.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The full list and an in-depth explanation of the ranking’s methodology can be found on Time magazine’s website.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But even as the culture seems fairly concerned with the way famous women look, and the impact these images have on young girls and teenagers, the conversation around men and their body image has been lean.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Much of rising demand reflects a shift in the way AI systems are consuming AI compute, particularly as the use of agentic AI becomes more widespread, Huang explained.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • And despite her background, the Norwegian people found much to like about this statuesque blond woman with striking eyes and a ready smile, a down-to-earth manner and an undisguised love for Haakon.
    Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The cause of death was a gunshot wound, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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