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 And some of Anna's mannerisms when trying to calm herself in stressful situations should be recognizable to many parent viewers. Katie Grant, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025 Informed of the milestone, which ranked him No. 25 among all genres of live performers — just below Dua Lipa — Maniscalco responded with his usual offstage reserve, a 180-degree departure from the outsized physicality and mannerisms of his performances. Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 24 July 2025 Disney Imagineers also studied muscle structure and nuances of speaking and gesturing, to mimic Walt Disney’s mannerisms and movements. Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 17 July 2025 The Walt animatronic looks authentic and natural while capturing the appearance, movements and mannerisms of a man considered one of the 100 most influential people of the last century. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mannerism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerism
Noun
  • The iPhone Air also doesn't have any kind of tricks up its sleeve to try to recreate the results from the ultra-wide lens in either the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025
  • That may come in handy for planning the best trick-or-treating routes in your area.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jan Böhmermann in Germany, Spain’s El Gran Wyoming, France’s Yann Barthès, Italy’s Maurizio Crozza and Dutch comic Arjen Lubach all share traits with their American counterparts, but none command comparable influence.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Many of the letters submitted to Judge Subramanian acknowledge the music mogul’s flawed behavior revealed during his trial and asked the judge to consider his positive personality traits and recent personal growth.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • More than 900 properties across the city contributed to the honor and were celebrated for the same characteristics that can lead to a citation under the vegetation ordinance.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Today, Bath & Body Works finally unveils their new Touch of Gold collection that embodies those same characteristics in a bodycare and home fragrance line.
    Alisa Rendor, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Arm-fat distribution is influenced by a mix of hormones, genetics, and lifestyle habits.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • His work ethic and practice habits are exceptional.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For now, the no-shoes policy remains a quirk of small, fast-moving startups.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Though Reese's Peanut Butter Cups took home the national title, each state has its own candy quirks, too.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Writing through the perspective of young people offers an opportunity to look at the idiosyncrasies and hypocrisies of religious inheritance with a light touch.
    Anna Bruno September 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Conybeare, a classics scholar, intertwines learned exegesis with examples of Augustine’s human idiosyncrasies, offering illuminating analyses of the philosopher’s seminal texts and ideas—including his theory of original sin—and of the role that his heritage played in his self-conception.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Excuse the cynicism, but this is the sort of combination of touchy-feely button-pushing and self-conscious peculiarity that’s meant to seem significant and profound that will bring out your inner rom-com Grinch.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Alongside Mignatti, architect Marco Lecchi coordinated construction, and is intimately familiar with the area and its peculiarities.
    Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Harjo, with his eye for human eccentricities, lends a pulse to stock types—chief among them a poetry-loving private investigator named Marty (Keith David).
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
  • In This is Spinal Tap fashion, DiBergi captures the band’s eccentricities and penchant for attracting bad luck at every turn.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mannerism. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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