variants also metier

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for métier
Noun
  • Appetizer options include mini crab cakes and salmon bites, served alongside an assortment of specialty cocktails to wash it all down.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The department administers 13 grant programs, including initiatives focused on produce safety, specialty crops, forestry and emergency food assistance.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As for traffic flow and cost-effectiveness, a couple of things are worth considering.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Shannon tries to ram the trainers with elbows because, yeah, Shannon does those kinds of things.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And then, there are the private events, from supercar brands’ private villas to car sellers and speciality companies that stage their own shows in private spaces.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Then, in Cuxton, at Marina Mill, the Princess of Wales decided to roll up her sleeves and try her hand at screen printing, one of their specialities.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Métier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/m%C3%A9tier. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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