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 The manner of my demise is of little interest, besides serving as our jumping off point. Hazlitt, 18 June 2025 Wouldn’t the more humane and efficient manner of carrying out deportations include selectively removing those individuals who are truly proven criminals or those who are not attempting to eventually become Americans legally? Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 According to police, the cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025 Patching and firmware updates must be applied in a timely manner. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • While many on Reddit applauded the poster's creative approach, etiquette experts said there might have been a better way to handle the situation.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
  • During her appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Nico shared that her dad always instilled in her the importance of set etiquette and remembering every crew member’s name.
    Kelsey Lentz, People.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • That's thanks to the flosser's two pressure modes (gentle and deep clean), two water flow settings (manual and continuous), and large reservoir with a wide mouth (for easy filling).
    Alexis Berger, SELF, 23 June 2025
  • The zoom claim may be a bit of a stretch as there is only a 1.5x digital zoom in 1080P mode, but no zoom in 4K mode.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • The move marks the first time a major Hollywood studio has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit of this kind.
    Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • In this case, using a dry cloth without a solution is a better cleaning method.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
  • Areas to watch, says Arthur Adam, a neurosurgeon and stroke expert at University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, include how human brain tissue is affected by the new thrombectomy method, and how the cells and debris behave once they’re liberated from the fibrin by the milli-spinner.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • When the dentist came back, his demeanor had changed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
  • Björn Borg, with his headbands and ice-cold demeanor, and Arthur Ashe, with his academic cool and understated elegance, became icons whose style outlasted their careers.
    Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • These free classes focus on mindful movement, mindful breathing, in the style of Shashi Yoga.
    Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
  • Ratajkowski, 34, recounted her school pick-up style in a new interview with ELLE published Wednesday, June 18.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Innovative educators are already modifying their approaches.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • His elastic counter-melodic approach to the bass redefined the role of the instrument in jazz and helped Evans reshape the very concept of the piano trio.
    Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Almost like a Draymond — not Draymond’s attitude, but the mentality.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Jamie Foxx reflected on his current attitude toward fame during a new interview.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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