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 Parks' body will be taken to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the manner and cause of death. Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025 After taking care of business on the scoreboard, Matthew Tkachuk took care of business with Aho, taunting and pushing and trying to fight him in a manner Aho didn’t want and his Carolina teammates didn’t rush. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 25 May 2025 His first move was updating the dialogue to create characters that were fleshed out in a more contemporary manner. William Earl, Variety, 23 May 2025 That was not the case this year, as Latin Academy won each set – 25-22, 25-19, and 25-20 – in convincing manner. Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 22 May 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
  • Real coaches have their own tendencies and skills that show up in Dynasty mode.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • The vacuum has three suction modes to tackle all sorts of messes on hard floors, carpet, and upholstery.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The front office and coaching staff can probably pencil Bobby McMann into a third-line left wing position and Scott Laughton into a fourth-line role of some kind.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • My family always preferred the flaky kind made with a cream cheese dough, and apricot, raspberry, prune and sweet cheese were our fillings of choice.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • While hemp can be used for industrial methods, it’s also used for medicinal purposes.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025
  • Pricing can also vary by region, and depending on third-party payment methods, additional taxes or international transaction fees may apply.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 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
  • The club has long been associated with a style called ‘shoeshine and piano’, which in basic terms is ‘touch football’, similar to tiki-taka.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 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
  • This unified approach streamlines payment processes and enhances scalability and adaptability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
    Grace Butler, USA Today, 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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