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 The flour, starter and fermentation method all play a role, and researchers say human evidence is still mixed. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 Ortega and her stylist, Enrique Melendez, would have had plenty of options to choose from for this method dressing moment. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 One issue raised by his attorneys was Florida's method of execution. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 The Gap Between Self-Perception And Reality Compounding this is a problem that runs deeper than measurement method. — Aurelien Mangano, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • Proposals include limiting justices’ active service through legislation—an approach whose constitutionality is disputed—or through a constitutional amendment.
    — Connor Greene, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Back at the hotel, Vision boots up his head-laser when Paladin’s drone approaches.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Animal health researchers are using related techniques to inoculate poultry against bird flu and cattle against foot-and-mouth disease.
    — Robert Kelly, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The dot-and-blend technique, step by step The method is surprisingly simple.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • People with the second phenotype, called durable, might have grown up in a predictable world—for example, a strict religious sect or just a family that experienced little change—and developed only certain coping strategies as a result.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Ren Faire, a 2024 docuseries Oppenheim shot for HBO about the succession crisis at the Texas Renaissance Festival, marked the apotheosis of this strategy.
    — Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • To be sure, odds and gambling platforms do not use methodologies used by traditional political polling, and therefore are not substitutes for political polls.
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The platform’s methodology says those years do not represent separate annual snapshots.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Yet the clubs from small markets with relatively low payrolls found ways to play the best baseball in each of their respective leagues this season en route to the World Series.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Learning from human demonstrations offers another way to develop skills by using examples of how a task should be performed.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Containerized units support flexible replacement The batteries’ containerized format allows them to be handled and stowed in the same manner as standard cargo containers.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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