manner

1
as in etiquette
manners plural personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting the young man's impeccable manners are an unmistakable sign of a good upbringing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in mode
a distinctive way of putting ideas into words the former doctor writes his novels very much in the manner of someone who is used to observing the smallest details

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun manner contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manner are bearing, carriage, demeanor, deportment, and mien. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," manner implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others.

the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders

When can bearing be used instead of manner?

The meanings of bearing and manner largely overlap; however, bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

When could carriage be used to replace manner?

The words carriage and manner are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

In what contexts can demeanor take the place of manner?

The synonyms demeanor and manner are sometimes interchangeable, but demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

When is deportment a more appropriate choice than manner?

The words deportment and manner can be used in similar contexts, but deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

Where would mien be a reasonable alternative to manner?

In some situations, the words mien and manner are roughly equivalent. However, mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.

a mien of supreme self-satisfaction

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 manner The teens are charged with felony false report concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner and felony unlawful use of two-way communication device, officials said. Mark Price july 11, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025 Theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories (subset of larceny) – The unlawful taking of any part or accessory affixed to the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle in a manner which would make the item an attachment of the vehicle or necessary for its operation. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2025 Consider the distinct strengths: Neural AI: Excels at pattern recognition and learning from vast unstructured datasets, often in a largely unsupervised manner, leading to emergent capabilities in language and reasoning. Anuradha Weeraman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 This is someone who progresses the ball in a speedy but sensible manner. Carl Anka, New York Times, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Leighton said that’s exactly the kind of etiquette slight people need to endeavor to avoid.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 July 2025
  • The etiquette of posting on social media can be tricky to navigate—especially for new parents.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • This helps explain why many people in fawn mode lose touch with their own needs and feelings.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • At least a tease, with 22 points, mostly in attack mode.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The festival is the largest of its kind in the United States and is sponsored by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.
    Jane Tyska, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
  • Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Now, the state is making the firing squad its lead method of execution.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
  • Though small, Calabash has a rather large claim: It’s been deemed the Seafood Capital of the World, thanks to a very specific method of frying fish and shrimp that involves a light dusting of flour or cornmeal before dunking it in hot oil.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Phoenix assumes a pathetic and quietly arrogant demeanor as Joe, who speaks in a squeaky, exasperated cadence.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025
  • Since being accepted into the pageant, she’s been busy practicing for interviews, the walk on stage, and her overall demeanor at the competition, which is the week of July 24 and 25 in Kingsport, Tennessee.
    Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • What was once considered a style no-no in cold weather has now become a bold statement.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 13 July 2025
  • The real fireworks started with Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland’s victory over The Young Bucks, which delivered AEW’s signature style: Flips, tricks, no-sells, piledrivers, destroyers, countless kickouts of finishing moves, and a ridiculously impressive fast pace.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • His approach to the book project was to marry the factual fidelity required of an official battalion history with a novelistic evocation of life on the front.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
  • There are many different types of crabgrass (Digitaria spp), but getting rid of them requires the same approach, says Waltz.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • But the hustle down the line that followed, resulting in a single for the visiting leadoff hitter to start Friday’s 7-6 win over the A’s, was a representation of Lukes’ hard-working attitude, according to his former head coach at Sacramento State, Reggie Christiansen.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
  • These remarks appear emblematic of the attitude of the football side of the business.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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