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
  • Studies have found male doctors earn higher wages than female doctors across all specialties.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The Canvas specialty brunch menu returns for a full weekend celebration April 3–5.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • People have guns as a hobby, as a social thing.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Katie Schoeberl, Welniak’s cousin, made her mark as a volleyball player at Marist, but before that, was a pitcher for the Beverly Bandits and taught Welniak a few things about the sport.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As the city blooms with hundreds of thousands of Yoshino cherry trees, indulge in speciality, mouthwatering delights at participating eateries.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Groomswear is a speciality for the boutique.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Métier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/m%C3%A9tier. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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