Definition of modenext

mode

2 of 2

noun (2)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mode different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of mode are fashion, manner, method, system, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

In what contexts can fashion take the place of mode?

Although the words fashion and mode have much in common, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

How are the words manner and mode related?

Manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

Where would method be a reasonable alternative to mode?

The meanings of method and mode largely overlap; however, method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

When would system be a good substitute for mode?

While in some cases nearly identical to mode, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might way be a better fit than mode?

In some situations, the words way and mode are roughly equivalent. However, 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 mode
Noun
Hathaway is a more than capable R&B singer – with five Grammys and various Billboard hits in the genre to her credit – but she was locked into jazz mode for this performance. — William E. Ketchum Iii, VIBE.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Instead, revenue protection mode—according to the DOJ—prioritized maintaining revenue by leasing fewer apartments at higher prices. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 This cute collectible is in full sports mode, rocking an outfit inspired by the one the fashionista athlete wore while battling it out at the 2005 Australian Open. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 Other features All Makita drills and drivers have the versatility of two-speed modes. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mode
Noun
  • The protests erupted after nearly a decade of Macronisme, the right-of-center, top-down governing style that President Emmanuel Macron of France incarnates.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For the new movie, ILM preserved their recognizable silhouettes while inventing more realistic anatomy, movement and fighting styles.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Shoes also embraced a more playful and expressive spirit, with jewels, bows, flowers, bold prints and vibrant colors.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Spending time together brings out their humor and fighting spirit, alongside emotional stories and traditions passed down through generations.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The asymmetrical hemline of the sweater is right on trend and makes the whole look feel much more intentional, while the slouchy silhouette still looks polished enough for a coffee run after landing.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Both trends held true, although barely, as the Hurricanes needed two overtimes to survive another upset bid on a day filled with chaotic finishes and upsets.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Rather, to live under platform capitalism is to recognize the disturbing manner in which human need has been redescribed as algorithmic entanglement.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • After all, rural communities rely heavily on that gubmint for all manner of necessary goods, from aid to farmers to our regional hospital, itself on life support as Medicaid funding drops.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Djrum is the rare DJ who operates almost entirely outside the world of genre; his sets swing from breakcore to IDM, jungle to techno, garage to field recordings to—well—whatever, really, depending on mood.
    — Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Obviously, the mood has shifted around this college town thanks to the Hoosiers winning last year's CFP title, along with having a head coach in Curt Cignetti who has turned this program into a football juggernaut in just two years.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The latests stats mean AI music has exploded by 650% in 16 months.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The latests forecasts show a new round of storm systems will increase rain chances across much of Northern California and the Central Valley in the coming days.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The video plays hopscotch with tone—at once horrific, ridiculous, and bathetically earnest.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Writing strips out the reactive tone that damages trust and forces people to engage with the actual argument instead of the way it was said.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Matt Van Horn, an entrepreneur who co-founded the ridesharing service that became Lyft, has been tinkering with agents since the craze started late last year.
    — Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Randy Marsh, Stan’s ever-adventurous father, decides to check out the looksmaxxing craze and has his face rated by users.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mode. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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