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
What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web? Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 How To Freeze Butter for Longer Storage Freezing butter is a great way to extend its shelf life but there are a few things to keep in mind before simply tossing it into the freezer. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 June 2025
Adverb
Has tipping culture gone way off the rails in the United States? Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 20 June 2025 Second, there are way too many checks and balances, starting at the top from the Arisons, for Pat Riley to sorely insist on living in the moment (nor have there been any such indications). Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for way
Noun
  • The government urged residents to remain calm, head to the nearest safest place and to use main roads only when necessary.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 23 June 2025
  • Think of it as a creditor wanting to get into a city and there are several roads to get into that city.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • No title yet revealed, but the pod will launch mid-July, the duo engage in heartfelt and unfiltered conversations about everyday life such as discuss raising a family, cultivating gardens, home improvements, careers, fostering healthy habits and aging.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 June 2025
  • Inspired by Napoleon’s habit of using toy soldiers to plot his military battles, the designer dotted the entrance with giant cutouts with gold outlines, and shrouded the floor in smoke.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Although Disney could have made Underworld, as well as Lucas' vision of the Sequel Trilogy, time has shown us the company took a different path with the franchise.
    Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 28 June 2025
  • Ashby, though, is confident that the single agency is the best path forward.
    Jack Rodriquez-Vars, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Having been sober for many decades herself, Bev recognizes the narcissism of addiction, the way addicts have a tendency to put themselves at the center of the universe.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • People with avoidant tendencies often pull away emotionally, while those with anxious tendencies may cling out of fear.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Inside, the transformation includes a complete renovation of rooms and suites, which include two 1,614-square-foot Aman Suites.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
  • Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • In 1945 the family came back to Wisconsin to live on a 10-acre farm, where Ted raised dairy cows and pigs and drove the milk route.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • Sacramento Regional Transit has encouraged riders to use bus route 11 instead.
    Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The report goes through the final approach of the Cessna Citation S550, which took off in New Jersey and refueled in Kansas before heading to San Diego.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
  • His elastic counter-melodic approach to the bass redefined the role of the instrument in jazz and helped Evans reshape the very concept of the piano trio.
    Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Radley Barkley learning how to use the new doorway that her owners installed just for her.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • The artwork is surrounded by a plain white section on three sides and a black rectangle spangled with white crosses, which might have indicated the threshold of a doorway.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/way. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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