way 1 of 2

noun

ˈwā How to pronounce way (audio)
Definition of waynext
1
as in road
a passage cleared for public vehicular travel the town honored the local sports hero by naming after him a short way connecting two shopping centers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in habit
a usual manner of behaving or doing she's set in her ways and is not about to change

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in path
an established course for traveling from one place to another took the regular way to work

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in tendency
an established pattern of behavior that's just his way, so pay him no mind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
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
6
as in route
the direction along which something or someone moves go the same way that the school bus does

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7
as in approach
the means or procedure for doing something figured out the best way to accomplish the task

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8
as in doorway
the opening through which one can enter or leave a structure we came in the back way

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9
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose have it your way

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in distance
the space or amount of space between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects it's just a little way down the road

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way

2 of 2

adverb

as in very
to a great degree "Oh, I'm just way thrilled to be here!" the pageant contestant gushed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025 During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Adverb
But the Panthers challenged for offside, and indeed four seconds before, Eric Robinson was way over the offensive blue line when the puck entered. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 26 May 2025 Not only do people spend way too much time getting wrapped up in equipment, Brady says, but that investment can ultimately get in the way of the experience as stuff starts to break, get lost, or get stolen. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for way
  1. road
  2. habit
  3. path
  4. tendency
  5. room
  6. route
  7. approach
  8. doorway
Noun
  • Panahi was last in the Cannes Competition with 3 Faces in 2019, a political road movie starring Iranian star Behnaz Jafari.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 May 2025
  • There are also four Nation Forest System roads that are impacted by the fire that need to be assessed for hazards.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of road
Noun
  • Standout Interviewee Habits: How to Take Things to the Next Level Deliver a clear personal pitch To stand out from the crowd, Marino-Briggs recommends a few key habits.
    — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • In addition, he’s also made a habit of gathering a handful of players together every night for a dinner at the Cowboys’ members-only speakeasy restaurant on the top level of The Star in Frisco, Cowboys Club.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
Definition of habit
Noun
  • Plans call for a perimeter walking-and-biking trail that loops into a network of pedestrian paths.
    — Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 4 June 2025
  • Investigators believed the person who killed Betsy Faria took the dog outside after she was stabbed, the probable cause said, and blood was cleaned up from the path between the victim and the patio door.
    — Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Definition of path
Noun
  • That’s the tendency, when arriving at such milestones — to celebrate the past, and the distance traveled.
    — Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The heavy stacks of cash fit into a pattern emerging throughout the trial as prosecutors attempt to paint Combs as a man spoiled by success, able to hide a tendency for abuse and criminality through a large staff and an ever-larger fortune.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • Marchand has added another veteran presence to the room and has served as a quality complement to Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen on Florida’s third forward line.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
  • Despite all of that, Joseph gradually realizes that his nutty companion is correct about Satan being in the room with us.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 June 2025
Definition of room
Noun
  • The bus route that passed through it never returned.
    — Meg Anderson, NPR, 23 May 2025
  • Read Next Business Charlotte airport adds airline for first direct route from NC to the Middle East May 16, 2025 9:05 AM Still, from Thursday, May 22, through next Tuesday, Charlotte Douglas is anticipating more than 970,000 passenger arrivals and departures, according to the airport.
    — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2025
Definition of route
Noun
  • Establish a new culture, replacing the emotionless, do-your-job style of Bill Belichick with a more modern, player-friendly approach.
    — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • The whole-of-government approach no longer occupies the same place at the center of U.S. messaging, though Langley said holistic efforts have worked in places such as Ivory Coast, where development and defense had reduced attacks by jihadi groups near its volatile northern border.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Definition of approach
Noun
  • Inside, three bedrooms and four baths are spread across almost 2,300 square feet of multi-level living space boasting a mix of stone and wide-plank French oak floors, arched doorways, and whitewashed wood-beam ceilings dotted with skylights.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 May 2025
  • It must be asked not as condemnation, but as a doorway to deeper understanding—of her, of ourselves, and of the social and emotional architecture that keeps so many of us bound in silence, shame, and survival.
    — Shayla Brown, Essence, 19 May 2025
Definition of doorway

Phrases Containing way

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waxy
way
wayfarer
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Cite this Entry

“Way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/way. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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