way 1 of 2

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as in room
an extent or area available for or used up by some activity or thing made way for them to pass

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in route
the direction along which something or someone moves go the same way that the school bus does

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in doorway
the opening through which one can enter or leave a structure we came in the back way

Synonyms & Similar Words

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way

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of way are fashion, manner, method, mode, and system. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

In what contexts can fashion take the place of way?

Although the words fashion and way have much in common, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

How are the words manner and mode related as synonyms of way?

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

an odd manner of conducting

When would method be a good substitute for way?

The synonyms method and way are sometimes interchangeable, but method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

Where would mode be a reasonable alternative to way?

The words mode and way are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When might system be a better fit than way?

In some situations, the words system and way are roughly equivalent. However, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

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 way
Noun
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Ensuring that the receiver knew the ball could come his way in the future would fix the issue. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Is there a word for when a TV show, way after the fact, makes a connection that the audience can totally tell was decided too late in the game to take seriously? Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 This crewneck sweater feels way more expensive than $30. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for way
Noun
  • Pledges to give it all away A good friend of philanthropist Michael Milken who has raised billions of dollars for cancer research, Ellison believes the road to bliss is altruistic giving.
    Martine Paris, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Studies have also shown that the extra hour of daylight has resulted in safer roads, lower crime rates and economic benefits.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Leaders who treat this period as an opportunity to establish alignment, celebrate progress, and embed new habits set their organizations on a trajectory toward lasting ROI.
    Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Adults who have trouble sleeping or don’t maintain healthy sleeping habits can often trace those issues back to their first few months of life, says Golshevky.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But when their paths do cross, fireworks usually follow.
    Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement Kirk’s path to national prominence was unlike that of other MAGA icons.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nowadays people see small images on their phones so there’s a tendency to crop in on everything.
    Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With that said, his biggest flaw remains a tendency to sail throws high from the pocket.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The new internal layout also makes room for a larger battery.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • In 1944, Jimmie McKee and his wife, Minnie, bought the seven-room, two-story house in Washington Heights.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • On fourth-and-12, Weaver bought time in the pocket before finding Gabriel Bess uncovered on a wheel route out of the backfield for a 28-yard touchdown to put Heritage up 23-14 at halftime.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • From 2021 to 2022, Austin Ekeler ran a position-high 734 routes, saw 196 targets and caught 157 passes for 1,209 receiving yards.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
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
  • Conversely, people who live in an arid climate might find that dust builds up quickly, especially around doorways and windows, which are common entry points for outside dirt, requiring more frequent sweeping.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Even parked cars can suffer from water damage when the rising flood hits the undercarriage or seeps through the doorways.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/way. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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