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 If college participation has more links to the FIFA global professional system, the thinking goes, the opportunities to deepen the talent pool multiply. Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025 These cities were interconnected by the world's first super-highway system, with these ruins being among the 51 pre-Hispanic Mayan cities created around 3,000 years ago. ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025 The lens covers a similar angle of view to a full-frame system with a 100-400mm zoom, a range that's ideal for photographing wildlife, field sports, and other far-off subjects. PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2025 The public address system was shut off and is under investigation by police. Ashley J. Dimella , Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for system
Recent Examples of Synonyms for system
Noun
  • The Tunnels story is that Chinese immigrants built a network of tunnels under the city because they were forced to live underground; the tunnels were then used by gangsters and bootleggers, including Al Capone.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The benefits of that blockbuster merger, which gave Capital One a proprietary payments network to lessen its reliance on Mastercard and Visa over time, are at the heart of our investment thesis.
    Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The municipal panel that oversees the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority endorsed the five-year rate plan in June.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Next summer, the plan is for a barge to bring over the drilling rig to start the first well.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their uses include promising methods for cleaning up toxic pollution.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The star also argued that criticism of method acting in recent years has at times been portrayed like a cult, saying such comments often come from people who don’t really understand it.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Supporting the Army’s next phase The M-SHORAD Increment 4 effort is a major part of the Army’s broader modernization strategy.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The county added jobs beginning in July 2023 and new strategies to improve efficiency, according to the statement.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The approach allowed the ship to host the missile battery without any structural modification.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • But the sequence was indicative of the Broncos’ general offensive approach under Payton after the first quarter in London.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Toni Townes-Whitley didn’t follow a step-by-step blueprint to reach the top of the defense industry.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Gathering Communist Party elites will review China’s upcoming five-year plan, an economic blueprint whose direction is strictly dictated by top leadership in the authoritarian state.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But this point isn't fully reflected in the report, UW system spokesperson Mark Pitsch said, potentially because the report relies on methodologies and data that disadvantage low-tuition institutions in states that provide limited aid.
    Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • So to work with Rick and find somebody of my generation that had all the same gifts that Peter had, as far as team building, workshopping and methodology of his own cinema education, was amazing.
    Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Smith instead signed with Indiana over several Big Ten and SEC programs, then stayed in Bloomington despite numerous schools trying to pry him away the last few years — especially after Indiana’s coaching change following the 2023 season.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • To further add to the turmoil and uncertainty, the White House earlier this year temporarily halted interviews for J1 visa applicants for about a month, before reinstating the program.
    Sequoia Carrillo, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/system. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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