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 James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, and Vanessa Redgrave star in a story that unfolds across generations in a manner that is both poetic and deeply human. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2026 When a character speaks English, an accent is employed and the manner is often a bit stumbling. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026 His manner of death was ruled a homicide. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2026 Much of what Amazing Stories published was forgettable to trashy, but there was still in Gernsback’s own inimitably goofy manner a stunning optimism, a vision that the future could perhaps be better than the present. Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Riding on buses and trains in Seoul, Lee encountered electronic signs instructing riders on the etiquette of using public transportation.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
  • What’s the appropriate armrest etiquette?
    Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The device also has an air duster mode.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Our current favorite is the Asus ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, an Editors' Choice winner, with a 32-inch 6K screen, HDR support, and two Mac-specific color preset modes—and a lower price than the Studio Display.
    Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The kind that organizations get judged on long after the applause fades.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Some fans may rush to hear that first-of-its-kind collaboration first when the album comes out May 29.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Several states have partnered with a company called ReUp that facilitates reenrollment through coaching and data tools that allow schools to refine outreach methods.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Environment Minister Irene Vélez said the decision was reached because other methods to control their population have been expensive and unsuccessful, including neutering some of the animals or moving them to zoos.
    Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And Ben Ahlers, who plays the adult Happy, comes with that actor’s famously warm smile and chirpy demeanor, slowly worn down here before your eyes, as the permissible frolics of youth turn into the stasis of one going nowhere.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Barkin, who was dating Levinson at the time of the film’s production, gamely strives to anchor the odd, histrionic film with her performance and wrings real pathos out of Lynn’s brittle and wounded demeanor.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Invictus Games are a Paralympic-style competition for wounded and recovering service members and veterans from around the world.
    Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Your graceful style helps people open up, while clear boundaries stop you from overgiving to keep the peace.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The heightened approach comes as UC Davis prepares to host its 112th Picnic Day, featuring more than 200 activities on campus.
    Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • This approach keeps you comfortable while maintaining a polished, cohesive look.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That attitude appears to be resonating in the pews.
    Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Viktor Orbán’s election defeat was met with a huge sigh of relief, and a bit of schadenfreude, in Brussels, as European officials hope a new Hungarian government will bring more pro-European attitude to the table.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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