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 Anyone that has any position that doesn’t draw the inevitable conclusion is potentially a partner to a crime of a very, very serious manner. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 June 2025 In theory, Trump could seek to erode state-level emissions standards in a manner that alleviates much of the need for rival carmakers to purchase them. Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 June 2025 More importantly, the spat brought about the collapse to a relationship that blended business, politics and power in a manner virtually unprecedented in U.S. history. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 6 June 2025 Le photographer is sleek and chic and his manners are spotless as a cat’s. Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Understanding communication styles, business etiquette and decision-making processes in various regions enhances collaboration.
    Shirin Ali, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Figuring out how to show up well in in-person meetings, especially as a new hire and even more so as a junior employee, can be tough, says Daniel Post Senning, etiquette expert with the Emily Post Institute.
    Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • The 71-footer is the first production yacht with Volvo Penta’s IPS hybrid-electric propulsion, which aims to reduce emissions by 40 percent via four navigation modes.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • All upgrade Roku modes will now support Bluetooth Headphone Mode for private listening, and even the entry-level Select model will join the more premium models in enjoying faster and more responsive menus.
    John Archer, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • The move marks the first time a major Hollywood studio has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit of this kind.
    Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Both methods remained in place as of publication time.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2025
  • Hemp processors found ways to use chemical solvents or other methods to produce variants such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THCO, which can get users high like marijuana.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • The outburst caused a stunned reaction from the commentators with Carlsen usually known for his calm demeanor.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
  • But investigators were struck by her calm and calculated demeanor during early questioning.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The color is easy to accessorize, works with any design style, and layers beautifully with neutrals and other colors.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
  • Our team of animators also had to be trained to make realistic drawings of the human body, as most of them came from animations with a cartoonish style.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2025
  • What’s your approach to treating players as individuals?
    Maria Fontoura, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Fermin is an example to any budding professional for his work ethic and humble attitude.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Vance, who collaborated with Hughes on four films, decided Bueller’s costume should defy mainstream ‘80s fashion to reflect his rebellious attitude.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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