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

Relevance
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

3
4

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 For example, governments can impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions, such as limiting noise at certain times. Cate Charron, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 Colorful, translucent magnetic blocks in all manner of sizes and shapes make bringing a vision to life easy. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 Much of that has to do with the manner in which the Broncos have won games. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 Police have not released any details, saying only that the cause and manner of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. City News Service, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • The confrontation is sparking a conversation about theater etiquette.
    Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Despite facing public scrutiny for everything from her etiquette to her clothes to her appearance, she is remembered as a style icon.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Another reviewer traveled for a whole month in Morocco, hitting up 10 different cities and taking several modes of transportation.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Users can choose between three suction modes, saving battery on the lowest level and tackling tougher messes with a punch of power.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Under that proposal, liquor stores, vape shops, pawn shops and payday lenders would have to be 1,000 feet from an existing business of the same kind, either in a direct line or through an intersection.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
  • In 2023, the Manteca Chief of Police crafted a first-of-its-kind local ordinance specifically to stop swerving.
    Tori Apodaca, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Now, for about five years, she's adopted the method for herself.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The farmers also pitched in with efforts of their own, including adjusting fertilizer methods, controlling soil erosion and increasing on-site water retention.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • From there, the Princess of Wales appeared more regal than ever, both in her demeanor but also in her style and diplomatic duties.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Sheinbaum, known for her cool, steely demeanor, sought to play down his comments.
    Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center just unveiled Sky Garden, a new residential-style floor with eight accommodations, including an expansive two-bedroom penthouse.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
  • The classic, outfit-elevating style is perfect for year-round wear.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This approach simplifies adoption for premium smartphone brands.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Aesthetics may also be influencing the approach to the work triangle.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Black Midi were known for their wild live shows, improvisational but generally aggressive riffs and devil-may-care attitude.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The book also shines a prominent light on how attitudes toward certain drugs have changed over time by showing when and where they were embraced.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on manner

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!