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 Stobart explained of officials trying alternative methods of confirming her identity. Angel Saunders, People.com, 9 May 2025 Use PayPal, Venmo, online banking or another accepted payment method to make a deposit of $5 or more. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 In contrast with Lutherans and other Reformation faiths, Calvinism insisted on discipline as a key method for unifying communities. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 9 May 2025 More women in their 30s have decided to delay motherhood through the use of methods like birth control and egg freezing. Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • In the competitive world of alternative investments, SWI Group has distinguished itself through an approach that emphasizes local market knowledge as a key differentiator.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Her modern, organic approach leans into nature’s nuances, from seafoam greens to terra-cotta reds.
    Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • To compensate for the lack of these conveniences, the village depends on ancient techniques that were in place before the first Europeans arrived.
    Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • Fraudsters leverage geo-specific techniques to adapt their scams based on user location and browser type, making their deception more effective and harder to track.
    Sergii Denysenko, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The bill is part of a broader Republican strategy to control federal deficits without touching defense spending or introducing tax reductions.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee responded to the GOP’s strategy by pointing to Trump.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • But the study's methodology, statistical rigor, risk of bias, and lack of data transparency continue to draw criticism.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
  • This methodology could significantly lower computing costs further during pre-training and facilitate enhanced inference performance.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • That should once again be a classic offensive showdown, a perfect way for NFL fans to wind down after eating lots of food.
    Seth Quinn, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • This treatment offers the potential for full recovery, provided it is administered in a timely manner.
    Mill Etienne, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Video Shows Brothers, 7 and 9, Engaged in Armed Standoff with Police After Refusing to Turn Over Loaded Gun An autopsy report released soon after determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head and the manner of death to be homicide.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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