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 Plans to purchase computer software and shift to a license-plate reading system for enforcing the city’s permit parking zones — estimated to cost $80,000 — received support from the mayor and Councilmembers Jim O’Hara, Marco San Antonio and Luke Shaffer. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025 By then, the natural hair rave slowed down and Design Essentials’s first product was the Wave by Design, a permanent curl system followed by relaxers less than a year later. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 15 May 2025 Its overall operating budget, including its health systems, tops $53 billion. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 To help with flooding, municipalities can implement land raising, enhance their draining systems and build more green infrastructure, like artificial wetlands. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for system
Recent Examples of Synonyms for system
Noun
  • Put differently, the region cannot long survive a paralyzed Jersey rail network.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
  • China has begun launching satellites for a giant computer network in space, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
    Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • However, the plan does not address several costly tax cuts proposed by President Trump in his 2024 campaign, including tax-free tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • In 2003, another Post managing editor, Steve Coll, proposed a plan to reconfigure the newsroom to adapt to the internet and use the paper’s name recognition to become more national in scope.
    Clare Malone, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • In contrast with Lutherans and other Reformation faiths, Calvinism insisted on discipline as a key method for unifying communities.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 9 May 2025
  • Use PayPal, Venmo, online banking or another accepted payment method to make a deposit of $5 or more.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The effectiveness of coping strategies can vary based on the age of the person with autism and the type of speech patterns involved.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
  • In the current state of Disney’s strategy, with Andor’s cost and season 1 viewership, had that not happened, it would have probably been cancelled after season 1, no matter how it was received.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • In the competitive world of alternative investments, SWI Group has distinguished itself through an approach that emphasizes local market knowledge as a key differentiator.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • While a similar approach has been successfully used to treat blood cancers, it had never before been used on solid tumors.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The blueprint emphasizes reforming U.S. international assistance programs, not cutting them.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025
  • The genetic blueprints that provide insights into the essence of ourselves and our families deserve stronger legal solutions — ones that protect patients’ rights while considering ethical implications for family members.
    Lauren B. Solberg, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
    Amanda Mitchell, Allure, 16 May 2025
  • Encourage agile methodologies and continuous learning to help teams stay ahead of evolving technologies.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Michigan Legacy Credit Union partnered with Wayne State University’s Institute of Gerontology three years ago to launch a program designed to prevent financial abuse.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Who needs whom more: blue blood programs (Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, etc.) or conferences?
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/system. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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