Synonyms of system

system

noun

ˈsi-stəm 

1

as in network

something made up of many interdependent or related parts

the national highway system allows travel from one end of the country to the other

the democratic system of checks and balances in government

Synonyms & Similar Words

• network
• series
• complex
• whole
• web
• totality
• plexus
• conglomerate
• sequence
• aggregate
• mesh
• net
• meshwork
• interlacement
• supersystem

2

as in plan

a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective

if you're going to wrap all these presents in one afternoon, you'll need a system

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plan
• strategy
• blueprint
• program
• scheme
• project
• design
• arrangement
• master plan
• proposal
• ground plan
• game
• game plan
• way
• road map
• procedure
• idea
• recipe
• device
• technique
• means
• purpose
• collusion
• policy
• protocol
• intention
• plot
• intent
• gambit
• conspiracy
• maneuver
• tactic
• stratagem
• ruse
• subterfuge
• conception
• platform
• contrivance
• map
• formula
• aim
• setup
• counterplan
• trick
• counterstrategy
• diagram
• layout
• pattern
• specific(s)
• projet
• specification(s)

3

as in method

the means or procedure for doing something

not the best system perhaps, but it gets the job done

Synonyms & Similar Words

• method
• approach
• strategy
• methodology
• way
• technique
• manner
• how
• style
• tactics
• recipe
• process
• plan
• form
• program
• mode
• model
• fashion
• scheme
• policy
• tack
• route
• design
• practice
• game
• layout
• blueprint
• routine
• plot
• shift
• move
• step
• line
• ground plan
• game plan
• modus operandi
• intrigue
• expedient
• practise

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

Recent Examples of system

With a new system in place, will the unit continue to play at a high level? —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025

The goal of fair use is to balance a system of incentives so that the kind of work our culture needs is rewarded. —Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025

Both organizations emphasized improvements made to welfare systems and reporting procedures since 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine, and again in 2020 when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025

While the headsets are new, the coaches will continue to use Verizon’s private cellular system, which is part of its business group’s Connected Venue platform. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025