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 States have turned to using the method as access to the drugs needed for lethal injections has been limited in recent years. James Powel, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025 Researchers sought to determine not just how many calories each method burns, but how the body fuels each workout — specifically, whether the body uses carbohydrates or fat as fuel. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025 Read More: The U.S. Can’t Afford to Lose the Biotech Race with China As trust deepens, governments and leading labs could begin sharing safety evaluation methods and results for the most advanced models. Brian Tse, Time, 13 Aug. 2025 These nations had approached teen-pregnancy prevention with the very methods that America had doggedly rejected for decades. Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • The Europeans clearly had coordinated their approach and were speaking with one message if in eight different voices.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Many of these shows, following the lead of Serial, were true crime, while others, like Slow Burn, took a similar investigative approach to politics and history.
    Eric Benson, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to calming the mind, heart rate variability improves significantly with this breathing technique, slowing the heart rate and improving cardiovascular health, according to Amen.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Management sessions will cover aquatic invasive species prevention and management, control techniques for invasive woody plant species, emerging technology and methods for invasive tree and shrub mapping and forest invasive species.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Grab the Racing Dudes Premium Picks and the Travers Betting Bible for detailed race-by-race analysis, exact wagering strategies, and multi-race plays designed to maximize your profits.
    Jared Welch, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Ultimately, that strategy may preserve Ukraine and settle the borders of Europe’s map.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • More research with an appropriate sample size, methodology, assessment of patient compliance, and follow-up is needed on the topic.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Keep It Practical, Not Perfect There are formal methodologies and structured approaches for problem selection, like Six Sigma.
    Kelly Starman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Regarding concerns arounds biodiversity, another way to approach the issue is through a new protocol within the Convention on Biological Diversity.
    Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Language changes in more ways than simply developing new words.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In his interview, Watkins described the entire incident in a manner consistent with what homicide detectives found during the investigation and statements from the robbery victim, according to the affidavit.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Singapore has been selectively approving new data center projects after lifting a three-year moratorium in 2022 to ensure new facilities are built in a sustainable manner.
    Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on method

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!