method

noun

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meth·od | \ ˈme-thəd

Definition of method

1 : a procedure or process for attaining an object: such as

a(1) : a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline or art

(2) : a systematic plan followed in presenting material for instruction the lecture method

b(1) : a way, technique, or process of or for doing something often slow in their business methods— T. R. Ybarra

(2) : a body of skills or techniques in the art of the novel, heavily armed with method— J. D. Scott

2 : a discipline that deals with the principles and techniques of scientific inquiry

3a : orderly arrangement, development, or classification : plan The book is completely lacking in method.

b : the habitual practice of orderliness and regularity time enough to do everything if only you used method— Angela Thirkell

4 capitalized : a dramatic technique by which an actor seeks to gain complete identification with the inner personality of the character being portrayed

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about method

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Choose the Right Synonym for method

method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end. method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps. effective teaching methods mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference. the preferred mode of transportation manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive. an odd manner of conducting way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words. has her own way of doing things fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something. rushing about in his typical fashion system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness. a filing system

Examples of method in a Sentence

He claims to have developed a new method for growing tomatoes. Their teaching method tries to adapt lessons to each student. We need to adopt more modern methods of doing things.

Recent Examples on the Web However, by developing a new method for finding Neanderthal DNA in the human genome, the Princeton researchers for the first time, searched for Neanderthal ancestry in African populations, as well as those outside the African continent. — Fox News, "Neanderthal genome sequenced, shedding new light on our prehistoric cousins," 23 June 2020 That method of shooting is notoriously inaccurate, Mesloh said. — USA Today, "Fractured skulls, lost eyes: Police break their own rules when shooting protesters with 'rubber bullets'," 19 June 2020 The most common throwing method is the overhand technique. — Popular Science, "Eight survival knife skills you might need in an emergency," 15 June 2020 O’Reilly indicated professors will decide on their method of instruction, in consultation with department chairs, deans and campus leaders. — Ron Kroichick, SFChronicle.com, "‘How would I lecture with a mask on?’ Bay Area professors weigh risk of returning to classroom," 15 June 2020 In 2017, using their method, the team found the remains of a large Roman temple, several feet below the town, that would have been roughly the same size as St. Paul's Cathedral. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "An ancient Roman city has been fully mapped using ground-penetrating radar," 14 June 2020 The best trapping method is a net and a deep bucket with steep sides, according to the University of Florida. — Jay Cannon, USA TODAY, "Florida tells residents to humanely kill these invasive, toxic toads that are lethal to pets," 12 June 2020 As for sharpshooting, Westerfield told of the Cleveland Metroparks use of sharpshooting as its preferred method of culling. — cleveland, "South Euclid Council trying to determine the best way to limit city’s deer population," 9 June 2020 The brain's way of processing new details is more difficult now because the method of obtaining them is mostly digital. — Kristen Rogers, CNN, "Quarantine fatigue: Why some of us have stopped being vigilant and how to overcome it," 8 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'method.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.