Synonyms of mannerism

mannerism

noun

ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm 

as in trick

an odd or peculiar habit

quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trick
• trait
• characteristic
• habit
• quirk
• idiosyncrasy
• peculiarity
• eccentricity
• singularity
• individualism
• tic
• twist
• curiosity
• oddity
• attitude
• quip
• personality
• affectation
• attribute
• erraticism
• kink
• character
• tendency
• quiddity
• crotchet
• practice
• pattern
• way
• property
• airs
• abnormality
• predilection
• temperament
• addiction
• custom
• weirdness
• individuality
• humor
• perversion
• predisposition
• proclivity
• disposition
• partiality
• identity
• inclination
• wont
• penchant
• neuroticism
• propensity
• genius
• mark
• nature
• bent
• turn
• leaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conformity
• sameness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mannerism contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mannerism are affectation, airs, air, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When would affectation be a good substitute for mannerism?

In some situations, the words affectation and mannerism are roughly equivalent. However, affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

When can air be used instead of mannerism?

The words air and mannerism can be used in similar contexts, but air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

When could airs be used to replace mannerism?

Although the words airs and mannerism have much in common, airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

When is pose a more appropriate choice than mannerism?

The words pose and mannerism are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

her shyness was just a pose

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of mannerism

Her characters often demonstrated how quickly and seamlessly a cyclone of cheerful mannerisms could morph into a wailing typhoon of uncorked madness. —Merrill Markoe, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026

Part of the deal involves creating an AI version of Lame using his face, voice, and mannerisms. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Jan. 2026

In order to become a character at the parks, DeVore underwent a rigorous audition and training process in order to get the fairy's mannerisms down to a science. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026

His onscreen presence tautens his creation of images; his own repertory of mannerisms, expressions, and gestures is uniquely attuned to his cinematic universe. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026