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 Other startups around the U.S. are also focused on finding new ways to process rare earth elements in a more ecologically friendly manner, often with synthetic biology. Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2025 The new fees will be enforced in 180 days and will be rolled out in a phased manner and may be raised in coming years, according to the USTR notice. Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025 Corporate retreats, team get togethers and company goals set up businesses in a different manner. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025 There are several different manners of using teeth to identify a person; the DNA from the pulp chamber can be extracted and used to crossmatch and identify a victim. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Today’s etiquette does require hosts to ask in advance whether their guests have eating restrictions.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Dear Life Kit is NPR's advice column, where experts answer tricky questions about relationships, social etiquette, work culture and more.
    Malaka Gharib, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Powered by Adelaide, Forbes AI Too many founders get stuck in endless preparation mode.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Enjoy the game in single-player or online multiplayer modes.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This year, the NBA had one of the largest footprints within the marketplace, celebrating its return to China in 2025 with two preseason games in Macau between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, marking the first event of its kind since 2019.
    Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The deal, reached under President Biden, was the first of its kind to treat environmental neglect as a civil rights issue.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The biggest retailer of them all, Amazon, still hasn't even sold a single Switch 2 console, and Nintendo's unique preorder method is still available.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The attackers combined this method with social engineering and exploited unpatched vulnerabilities, amplifying the threat.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And over the opening month of this season, Yamamoto’s confident mound presence has been mirrored behind the scenes, the pitcher becoming more vocal in game-planning meetings and assured in his clubhouse demeanor.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • McGee’s death comes as a shock to those close to the starting safety, who was known for his wide smile and hard-working demeanor.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His play style requires highly technical players, a standard that is not widely characteristic of MLS.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • More Pro Wrestling: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin Confirmed For WrestleMania: Report Mysterio would quickly become one of the most popular baby faces in the company, partially due to his incredible in-ring style.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ultimately, the new police chief must value community, embrace diversity, and promote a responsive, inclusive approach to law enforcement.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Given the number of cardinals whom Pope Francis has appointed — 111 out of the 141 who would vote for the next pope — his successor is likely to be from the Global South and more progressive in theology and approach than Pope John Paul II or Pope Benedict XVI, who preceded Pope Francis.
    Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the pooch's positive attitude and adaptability to his wheelchair changed everything.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The new information highlights Google’s attitudes towards those who choose the regular model and those who go Pro.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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