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 Their method could clearly distinguish between the two. ArsTechnica, 1 June 2026 Countries might consider creating stockpiles of fertilizer similar to strategic petroleum reserves—an approach that the European Union is currently considering—as well as more efficient application methods and lower-carbon fertilizers. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 1 June 2026 Alabama is set to execute Lee by the relatively new nitrogen gas method for the 1998 shooting deaths of a pawn shop owner and employee. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 1 June 2026 Pili’s method to produce high-performance colors reduces harmful chemicals and fossil fuel dependency while cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional indigo dyeing processes. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • This is also an excellent day for creative work or coming up with new approaches to medicine or something that is health-related.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • The Ukrainian approach is born of a manpower crisis, where a smaller population has been ravaged by a devastating toll from four years of Russian invasion.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Recent discoveries suggest the civilization may have also mastered high-pressure water transport techniques once thought to be associated mainly with later Roman engineering.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
  • The proper preparation of the seeds and planting technique are important for successful seedling establishment.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • No matter the motivation or trading strategy, going short is a bet that a stock will decline in price.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 29 May 2026
  • In general, Stearns’ strategy is a wise one.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Want to read more about our methodology?
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • Critical to the commission was also that the city review and align its methodology and reappraisal schedule for both residential piers and mooring permits so that both user groups are treated equitably.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Just the way his approach is getting better and better every day.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski shouted two words — the first of which didn’t appear to be fit for print — and strode off the mound, the icy expression on his face frozen in place all the way to the dugout.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Given the dramatic manner in which the hulking piers marched down the center of the institution’s narrow corridor, flanked by the photographer’s three-inch-square Polaroids, hung as if in awed supplication, the effect verged on hyperbole, the gnomic ceding to the grandiose.
    James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Everything happens in a fluid, subtle manner.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on method

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster