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 But unlike in most places, this system endures to the present day. Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025 Recently, researchers in China created two new AI systems to improve the safety and efficiency of fusion energy experiments by predicting plasma failures with extreme accuracy. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025 Kaestner, who was there Tuesday to undergo a sonogram, is a longtime patient of the health system. Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 Another advantage of the ONT PromethION system is its ability to process fragments of DNA with as many as a million base pairs. IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for system
Recent Examples of Synonyms for system
Noun
  • Daryl Crouch was Green Hill's pastor from 2012-2021 and now serves as executive director of Everyone's Wilson, a network of churches that work to create spiritual and social initiatives in the community.
    Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
  • As a result, UnitedHealthcare no longer considers Ascension Wisconsin hospitals and providers as in-network.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Defending Education’s Nicole Neily, who was also at McMahon’s confirmation, stood next to McMahon when the secretary announced an investigation into the Maine Department of Education for keeping records from parents about student gender identity plans.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Experts say women who are unsure should talk with their health care provider about their individual breast cancer risk and the potential benefits and drawbacks of different screening methods.
    Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The paper is a new way of combining a bunch of ideas that are already out there, but the method hasn’t yet been proven at scale.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Drivers opted for different tire strategies up and down the grid.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Streaming consolidation, soaring production costs and the rapid rise of AI have forced executives to rethink business models and creative strategies.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Even a brief mention of the issue from a patient can help alert professionals to take a more sensitive approach during treatments and examinations.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In running for president, Milei made dollarization the centerpiece of his economic blueprint.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Gustavsson provides a good blueprint for Wallstedt, too — an example of how goalies don’t always take off right away.
    Joe Smith, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Read the full list and methodology.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • For Bengio, all this adds up to more proof that independent third parties need to take a closer look at AI companies’ safety methodologies.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The state restricted participation during the accounts program's first two years.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
  • According to Senderhaufand, National Park Service law enforcement will continue to patrol the Park, but educational and informational programs hosted by National Park Service staff and volunteers will not take place during the federal shutdown.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/system. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on system

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