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 Ads won’t hit in the same manner if the brand is unknown and unlikely to generate any emotional connections. Andrea Aker, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 The coroner’s bureau said it was determined May 13 that the manner of death was suicide with the cause being a gunshot wound to the head. Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 July 2026 Nandy is said to be aware of the need to reach a decision in a timely manner, but her failure to issue an update before the summer recess could be a source of frustration for Paramount and WBD. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 July 2026 Further investigation into the cause and manner of death is being handled by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Division, authorities said. Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • But what should have been a pretty mundane meal spiraled into a heated viral debate about in-flight food etiquette when fellow passengers started to complain about the smell.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
  • Of course, Genevieve Dreizen, a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert and COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, says when in doubt, a good rule of thumb is just to bring the child who is invited.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • Rather than being riled into playing at a higher level, Spain sunk into self-pity mode.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • But as Pat Riley noted at Giannis Antetokounmpo’s welcome session, the Heat are back in win-now mode, with championship visions.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • California responded in kind, with passage of Proposition 50, a measure that shelved the work of a nonpartisan redistricting commission in favor of a map aimed at handing Democrats five additional seats.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • People also like listening to podcasts for free, and Peters also answered a question about whether Netflix would consider adding FAST channels or a free tier of some kind to better reach those people.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • And while Holland has yet to produce any Telemachus method dressing, Zendaya has been Athena incarnate in custom Jacquemus, drapey Khaite, and sculptural vintage Givenchy headgear.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • Likely to avoid other bad actors circumventing safeguards, xAI did not include examples of Harwood’s successful prompts or describe methods used to bypass filters.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • With his bushy beard and a grumpy demeanor that belies a tender-hearted soul, Neill was destined to play a role like Hector.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026
  • Advertisement Best of all is Deutch’s Gail, whose sunbeam demeanor barely conceals her flirty, mischievous side.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • After Canada suffered its most deadly shooting in Nova Scotia in 2020, where 22 people were killed, the government put in place major reforms and bans on assault-style weapons.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
  • England plays with a faster and sometimes more direct style and has been carried by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who each have six goals.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • Famous for their aromatic leaves and fast growth rates, mints of all sorts naturally repel an assortment of garden pests and keep ants away, too1.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026
  • The Hitchcockian plot captivates from the get-go as a sort-of writer talks to someone off camera about his obsession for shadowing strangers.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Those layers, which expand in Heartstopper Forever, are illustrative of Oseman’s approach that appreciates both the evolution inherent to queerness and the coming of age.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
  • Once fall approaches, simply switch to a long-sleeve shirt or layer a cardigan on top.
    India Roby, Glamour, 16 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on manner

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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