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 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, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026 The idea is to showcase the brand’s metiers capability, and this year’s Guilloché version takes it up a notch with an engraved rose gold dial, case and bezel. Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 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 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
  • Guests who visit are treated to a fun camp-like experience, albeit a step up from traditional camping, thanks to modern amenities, a restaurant serving up regional specialties crafted with local ingredients, and ADA-compliant rooms so those of all mobility needs can stay.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Dining centers on refined kaiseki or traditional Japanese coursed haute cuisine, featuring regional specialties such as meltingly tender Tajima beef (an elite breed of wagyu cattle and the source of Kobe beef) and Matsuba snow crab.
    Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The visiting Lancers managed to draw things level at 3-3 by the end of the first quarter, after two late scores, including two short-range finishes by Ella Avery and Kylea Keefe.
    Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The best coaches will set aside time to work on new drills, figure out lineups, game plan for future opponents, and many other things that go under the radar but can make-or-break a season.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Glossy nails of all varieties are a speciality of Bachik, who gave Gomez the viral lip gloss manicure in 2023 (Jennifer Lopez was a fan of the look, too).
    Maria Goldbach, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Advanced courses offered by experienced SAR officials focus on ground search, swift water rescue, avalanche recovery, and other specialities.
    Jayme Moye, Outside, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Métier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/m%C3%A9tier. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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