Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of system are fashion, manner, method, mode, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might fashion be a better fit than system?

While in some cases nearly identical to system, 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 system?

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 system?

The words method and system can be used in similar contexts, but method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

When is it sensible to use mode instead of system?

The meanings of mode and system largely overlap; however, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When can way be used instead of system?

The words way and system are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 system In a system built on civilian oversight of military and diplomatic power, ignorance becomes a liability. Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 The city’s ranked choice system allows voters to choose their top five candidates for mayor, plus top picks in other city races. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 June 2025 The truth is that almost all the fraud, waste and abuse in the health care system comes from the billing and payment processes and skyrocketing prices, not from people who rely on Medicaid for essential care. Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for system
Recent Examples of Synonyms for system
Noun
  • Zaslav went on to note that HBO Max viewership accounts for for 25% of programming spun off from the WBD networks.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Fanning out across downtown with no real destination is an L.A. tradition — what about joining the many immigrant rights groups who have set up rapid response networks to show up where la migra does?
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • In this way, UNICEF advocates for governments to adopt a child-centric approach in their policies, plans and budgets.
    UNICEF USA, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The Justice Department ended over 4,000 positions as part of a sweeping reorganization, including plans to cut 1,500 personnel from the FBI, according to budget documents reviewed by the Washington Examiner.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • But Iran has other delivery methods as well, through terrorist proxies.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 15 June 2025
  • The next step is to make an initial deposit with a secure payment method, like a credit card, debit card, online banking, PayPal account, etc.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Representatives for the Earthquakes declined a request for an interview on further details about the ownership group’s strategy.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025
  • Has Netflix been willing to change its own strategy with the times?
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Helmed by Chair Jerome Powell, the Fed has stuck to its wait-and-see approach despite President Donald Trump's calls for cuts.
    Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Gone are the days of just blueprints, prototypes and calculations, as engineering now revolves around efficiency, speed and precision in a world where technology is rapidly changing.
    Srinivasa Rao Bittla, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The Golden Knights provided a blueprint for how the network would work with various teams in their local markets, with the wider local reach on free TV and a partnership for streaming access.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Yet no methodology or category of evidence was as compelling to nineteenth-century Americans than the human body itself.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
    Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • The Hawks flag football program captured their sixth state championship.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • About The Cake Pan Lending Program While the program is run through the New Orleans Public Library system, cake pans are only available at the Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center and pans must be returned to the Rosa F. Keller Library during the library's regular hours of operation.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/system. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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