Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of system are fashion, manner, method, mode, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might fashion be a better fit than system?

While in some cases nearly identical to system, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

How do manner and mode relate to one another, in the sense of system?

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

an odd manner of conducting

When would method be a good substitute for system?

The words method and system can be used in similar contexts, but method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

When is it sensible to use mode instead of system?

The meanings of mode and system largely overlap; however, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When can way be used instead of system?

The words way and system are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 system The plant makes radio-electronic equipment for combat aircraft, air defense, and electronic warfare systems. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025 Daybell also used her speaking time before she was sentenced to condemn the Arizona justice system and the conditions inside the county jail where she has been held. Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025 The Austin service involves a small fleet of about 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles equipped with the company’s latest self-driving systems. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 26 July 2025 The suit alleged, among other things, that the company had deliberately gamed the federal student aid system. Chris Quintana, USA Today, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for system
Recent Examples of Synonyms for system
Noun
  • Streets included in the network are focus areas in a citywide effort to curb the number of vehicle crashes with injuries.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • Colbert, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, announced the cancellation of not just his hosting gig, but also the network's late-night show, earlier this month.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey announced an effort to create his department's new strategic plan in April.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • Paige and Tim were originally supposed to get married in May 2020 — a plan that was derailed by COIVD-19, like so many others' nuptials.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Now, the state is making the firing squad its lead method of execution.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
  • Though small, Calabash has a rather large claim: It’s been deemed the Seafood Capital of the World, thanks to a very specific method of frying fish and shrimp that involves a light dusting of flour or cornmeal before dunking it in hot oil.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Neither the city's Office of Public Health and Safety nor the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department agreed to requests for interviews about the situation on Leonard Street and the city's evolving strategy for managing homeless camps.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • That may be part of Williams’ strategy, because the Citi Open does not appear to be a one-off.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Cora certainly understands this process as the deadline approaches and what Boston is capable of if chief baseball officer Craig Breslow can add reinforcements.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Communities across Michigan — not just Detroit — were among several cities across the country that adopted the approach in response and used federal pandemic relief funds to invest in violence prevention.
    Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Another club that put together a robust blueprint to bring more fans to its stands is Washington Spirit.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 30 July 2025
  • Thankfully, his win gives us a contemporary blueprint.
    Abdul Osmanu, Hartford Courant, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Tyler Comes Close to No. 1 on the U.K. Albums Chart On the main Official Albums chart, which tracks the biggest full-lengths and EPs in the U.K. using a general consumption methodology, Don’t Tap the Glass opens at No. 2.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • That organization develops, innovates, and applies its Montessori Dementia methodology with a specialized team of diverse scientific professionals, according to information from CARD.
    Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Nolensville Pike, Nashville Besides being home to hundreds of adorable animals, the Nashville Zoo is actively involved in research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • With its new program Streets to Home Indy, the city aims to gradually shut down camps after moving more than 300 people living in them into housing by next June.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/system. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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