variants also metier
Definition of métiernext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun métier differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of métier are business, calling, employment, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

When would business be a good substitute for métier?

The synonyms business and métier are sometimes interchangeable, but business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When is calling a more appropriate choice than métier?

The meanings of calling and métier largely overlap; however, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

Where would employment be a reasonable alternative to métier?

While in some cases nearly identical to métier, employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

In what contexts can occupation take the place of métier?

While the synonyms occupation and métier are close in meaning, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When is it sensible to use pursuit instead of métier?

The words pursuit and métier are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When might work be a better fit than métier?

In some situations, the words work and métier are roughly equivalent. However, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 métier Sports has been his main metier, including during a run at Turner Broadcasting in the 2000s. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2025 That store, which is also two stories and offers all 16 metiers, is inspired by the local Sonoran Desert and pays homage to the sunlight and succulents prevalent in the area. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025 Turning from his father’s trade of corset-making, Paine tried his hand at business, met and impressed Benjamin Franklin in London, sailed to America, and there found his true metier as a pamphleteer and radical. Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025 Allende is solidly back in her metier with a multigenerational cast of characters, thrilling action in Chile and a sprinkling of magical realism. The Know, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2025 Much like Catastrophe, Derry Girls combines irreverent farce with weightier issues that sometimes take you by surprise but never betray the series’ light-hearted metier. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 29 Sep. 2024 Photo : Chopard Imperiale Chopard Imperiale Chopard’s Imperiale collection was launched in 2010 to showcase the company’s in-house metiers capabilities, combined with in-house premium mechanical movements. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for métier
Noun
  • While the club's specialty is a roasted duck dinner (with a surprising choice of sauces including l'orange, mushroom, cherry jubilee, or apply brandy), that isn't the origin of the name.
    Ron Faiola, Midwest Living, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Wells Fargo initiates American Financial Group as overweight Wells says the specialty insurer is best positioned for growth.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The bottle is small, easy to pack, and a little goes a long way—proof that sometimes even the smallest things have a big impact.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The 606 is one of the best things about the area.
    Hannah Howard, Midwest Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Enough variety in the complimentary restaurants, including à la carte dinner menus, yet exciting dining concepts that make speciality dining a worthwhile additional spend.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Apple and pumpkin pies are holiday staples all over the country, but buttermilk pie is a Southern speciality.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Métier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/m%C3%A9tier. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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