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

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 mannerism Soto has said in the past that the mannerisms help synchronize his timing and fuel his confidence. Will Sammon, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 So, the stars rehearsed in a dance studio for weeks, practicing each other’s mannerisms and studying vocal inflections. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Indeed, Best was cast for the malleable mannerisms and babbling delivery displayed in his stand-up comedy, and sat with Lucas to study the motivation behind Keaton’s movement. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 18 Apr. 2025 Blashill, 51, also has had the benefit of being an assistant on Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper’s staff and learning from his mannerisms on the bench and tendencies as a tactician. Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mannerism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerism
Noun
  • This isn't the first time the former Sports Illustrated model has shared parenting tips and tricks.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 23 June 2025
  • The magic trick is that Sunny gradually learned how to distinguish its POV from the characters’, showing empathy not only for the Gang’s victims, but also the Gang itself.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The Dalmatian Club of America, for example, spent decades urging breeders to euthanize deaf puppies so the trait wouldn’t spread.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
  • Additionally, the study also found a correlation between breathing traits and a person’s mental health.
    Jay Kakade June 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • At this stage, Abiteboul explained the car is undergoing endurance dyno testing to fine tune the characteristics of the engine and gearbox.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • His skills and characteristics fit perfectly in Florida, and his role on the third line puts him in a beneficial position.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • No title yet revealed, but the pod will launch mid-July, the duo engage in heartfelt and unfiltered conversations about everyday life such as discuss raising a family, cultivating gardens, home improvements, careers, fostering healthy habits and aging.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 June 2025
  • Inspired by Napoleon’s habit of using toy soldiers to plot his military battles, the designer dotted the entrance with giant cutouts with gold outlines, and shrouded the floor in smoke.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • However, a lot of newer research, especially in behavioral economics, points to how our cognitive quirks and limitations may prevent us from doing what's in our best interests.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 26 June 2025
  • The people who truly understand your AI systems—their quirks, limitations, and decision-making processes—become institutionally irreplaceable in unprecedented ways.
    Andrew Mawson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Part of the pleasure of the cover-to-cover print experience is seeing a specific editorial perspective in all its obsessions and idiosyncrasies, and the Women’s Issue is rife with Brown’s.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
  • For iPhone: Coming Next Week, A New Era For The iPhone These weren’t idiosyncrasies or outdated protocols.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Raising brand awareness among new audiences or localizing to cultural peculiarities requires a strategic approach, and influencer marketing can be a part of it.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Twain’s narrative boasts some—discrepancies is too magisterial a word … peculiarities, say.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The party is now divorced from his eccentricities, which, though appealing to some of the most radical voters, alienate the rest.
    Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Her gown, a Schiaparelli spring 2025 couture runway piece designed by the maison’s creative director, Daniel Roseberry, also added an air of eccentricity to her overall style with a stiff, off-the-shoulder, crystal bodice top.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mannerism. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mannerism

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!