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 As vines lengthen upwards they are attached to the next horizontal support in the same manner. Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 15 Mar. 2026 Denver Water operates in a forward-looking manner as well. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026 Labor market anxiety was on full display last month when markets dropped on a Citrini Research report outlining an extreme scenario where AI disrupted every manner of knowledge jobs faster than the economy and policymakers could manage the transition. Conor Sen, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026 Saturday’s game started in a dramatically different manner than how the last one finished. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Good ex-etiquette doesn’t require emotional intimacy with your ex.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
  • This letter is not only a breach of etiquette, but also a conflict of professional interest.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With these shots the film establishes its poetic observational mode.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
  • At times like these, Hurley shifts into a sort of damage-control mode.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 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
  • Love and blessings, fresh insights and methods, and what should be plenty of money.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • For the first time, researchers have developed a new method to transform common plastic into a medication used to treat neurodegenerative Parkinson’s disease.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 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
  • Plenty of Americans will dislike the attitudes and styles of Mutiny’s activists.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
  • But some specialists in legal ethics expressed doubts at the time that the additional pledge would affect courtroom behavior — the late Stanford Law professor Deborah Rhode said some lawyers simply conclude that a take-no-prisoners attitude would help their client.
    Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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