manner

Definition of mannernext
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 Snyder also didn’t file IRS forms in a timely manner, prosecutors said. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 The last year was no accident, though the cause and manner of death are still pending, according to a new report. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026 The manner of death was ruled a homicide. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026 The company's terms of service also state that users are responsible for following applicable laws and using the glasses in a safe and respectful manner. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • There will be no need to mention hand sanitizer or the etiquette of pods.
    Emma Alpern, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Yet the stuffiest etiquette experts would surely make an exception for the queen of England.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But the aggressive mode of politics practiced by Wambsganss and her cohort eventually alienated many of their fellow-conservatives.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Ensure sober drivers or alternative modes of transportation are set up in advance for guests who are planning to drink alcoholic beverages.
    Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • One kind and patient spectator conscripted to play the school counselor had to remove her shoe to improvise a sock puppet, one of the tools of her empathetic practice.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The Sacramento International Airport launched outposts of three local restaurants and a first-of-its-kind cafe and market concept Thursday as part of its major dining overhaul project.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Scientists in the United States have discovered an electric field method to improve heat flow in materials.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • No single method or single group of people produced the confirmation on their own.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Sad Dan, Angry Dan, Nuclear Dan … Agree or disagree with the demeanor, Hurley is one fascinating group of people.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026
  • His demeanor in them marked a departure from Kim's usual depictions in state propaganda as a stern commander.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With style, grace and a lot of love, the Lower Merion High School figure skating duo of Justin and Suri Lue know how to put on a cutting-edge show.
    Krystle Rich, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
  • As always, the trendsetter made a bold style statement in a white floral Eugene Alexander minidress, previously worn by Whitney Houston and Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These results highlight that classical computational chemistry methods remain surprisingly competitive, and in some cases could outperform quantum approaches, even with perfect quantum hardware.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The spa Aman’s approach to wellness is holistic and advanced, drawing on nearly 40 years of well-being practices across its entire portfolio.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How this shapes political attitudes, empathy and prevention outcomes remains underexplored.
    Arnaud Kurze, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel regularly praised Tonga for his attitude and work ethic inside the building.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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