Definition of methodnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word method different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of method are fashion, manner, mode, system, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

Where would fashion be a reasonable alternative to method?

The words fashion and method are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

How do manner and mode relate to one another, in the sense of method?

Manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

In what contexts can mode take the place of method?

Although the words mode and method have much in common, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When can system be used instead of method?

While the synonyms system and method are close in meaning, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might way be a better fit than method?

The words way and method can be used in similar contexts, but way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

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 method That method let researchers directly compare in-life memory and thinking scores with what was actually happening inside the brain. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 How roaches come into your home Different varieties of roaches use different methods of getting in. Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 July 2026 There are many ways to water these plants, of course, but which method is the best? Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 16 July 2026 Will chief baseball officer Craig Breslow try a buy/sell method — perhaps trying to sell high on closer Aroldis Chapman while filling that role with Garrett Whitlock or Justin Slaten, then adding another late-inning reliever? Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
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
Noun
  • Analyst Michael Leininger, a former detective with the San Jose Police Department, said Antioch officers should have applied training techniques to gain control of the situation without excessive use of force and to prevent further escalation.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • Though the mural, which depicts a man in a headdress holding a spear, had been removed for conservation in 2004, the team relied on advanced imaging techniques to reconstruct both the work and its surrounding architecture.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Sometimes in big matches, being afraid of taking a risk is the riskiest strategy of all.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Even on a team with world-class strikers and wingers, Mbappe oftentimes felt like the sole focus of Spain’s defensive strategy.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • This modern methodology, also frequently employed by ascendent jazz jammers SML, adds artful friction to the Prairiewolf terroir.
    Reed Jackson, SPIN, 17 July 2026
  • But Hsu stands by the survey’s soundness and its methodology, which in recent years shifted to gathering survey responses online rather than over the phone.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • How to Style It Scandi bobs work for pretty much anyone, and there are so many different ways to wear them.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • An investigation by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners found that while the three medications were administered in non-fatal doses, Hemphill failed to acknowledge the way the drugs would act when combined, according to the warrant.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • Warner said that in the past 10 years, his committee, in a bipartisan manner, has reviewed and investigated all of the allegations the president brought up.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • While no traditional denim was used in the whimsical collection, Chanel tapped Maison Lesage to weave its blue tweed in a manner that resembles blue jeans.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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