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 The last time Dallas County voted in this manner was in 2018, said county Commissioner Andrew Sommerman, a Democrat. Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026 The county Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 During an interview with lawyers, Fusaro reportedly said the comment was not intended to be dehumanizing, sarcastic, dismissive or insensitive in any manner. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026 Fertilize potted abelia in the same manner as plants growing in the ground. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • My adult daughters learned etiquette from me.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026
  • According to Sara Nibler, a recruiter at Redballoon who places candidates in roles ranging from manufacturing to media, job seekers are increasingly confusing the convenience of Zoom with an excuse to abandon basic professional etiquette.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Flexibility and efficiency Hitachi’s dual-mode excavator marries eco-friendliness and efficiency in a single design.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • From there, the Longhorns were in cruise control mode.
    David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Aspen Classic, which each June since 1983 has brought hundreds of wineries and up to 5,000 visitors to that Colorado ski town, is considered the premier event of its kind by many wine aficionados - bringing in top winemakers, superstar chefs, even Hollywood celebs.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The Lindner family released a statement following the death of Christopher Lindner, describing him as a loving, kind, Christ Jesus follower, husband, and father of four who had suffered from mental illness.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Distillation is a common method of training in the AI industry with frontier labs often distilling their own models to make cheaper versions for customers.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The actual method is less important than being able to see and keep track of everything.
    Malana VanTyler, Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The deranged demeanor accompanying her rude responses under oath deserves an Oscar nomination in the cringe and horror categories.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The list includes in no particular order greater changeup usage, a strong demeanor on the mound, attention to base runners and first-pitch strikes.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The backstory The property was built in 2017 by the renowned Nepali architect Prabal Thapa – a long, elegant two-storey structure in a U-shape, using local Baglung stone and timber in keeping with Mustang’s traditional Thakali architectural style.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Sneakers aren’t the only travel-ready shoe that provides all-day comfort and cool-girl style.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This week, Bill White, the US ambassador to Belgium, criticized the country for its approach to Jewish ritual circumcision and accused the country of antisemitism.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Dr Amgad Rezk said the process offered significant advantages for industry, with an energy-efficient and scalable approach.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This simply involves a little accommodation, a friendly attitude and cooperation.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The mom credited the school with helping her son go from struggling academically to making honor roll — twice — and changing his attitude about school in general after the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

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