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 Using a system put in place last season, 64 teams will make the playoffs. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025 SpaceX complained that Louisiana proposed awarding 91.5 percent of funds to fiber Internet service providers instead of to the Starlink satellite system. Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025 In a statement released Tuesday, GSD officials said its consent decree calls for $155 million in sewer system improvements over the next 15 years — nearly $12 million annually. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025 First downs will no longer be measured by a chain gang, who have been replaced by Sony’s Hawk-Eye virtual measurement system (the system was used in July’s Hall of Fame game). Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for system
Recent Examples of Synonyms for system
Noun
  • The network can also run in reverse, with the utility taking excess power from the grid at times of low demand and sending it into home batteries for storage.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Once successful, the solutions can be scaled systematically across the broader supply network.
    Umesh Kumar Sharma, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Last year, in celebration of the Connecticut Science Center’s 15th anniversary, an ambitious 10-year strategic vision was unveiled with plans for new exhibitions and gallery upgrades.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
  • One plan calls for a tower as tall as 55 stories and 609 feet, setting a new bar as the tallest building in town.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • States have turned to using the method as access to the drugs needed for lethal injections has been limited in recent years.
    James Powel, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
  • With no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat the virus, the most effective method to prevent West Nile infection is to avoid mosquito bites, according to CDPH.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Grab the Racing Dudes Premium Picks and the Travers Betting Bible for detailed race-by-race analysis, exact wagering strategies, and multi-race plays designed to maximize your profits.
    Jared Welch, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Unfortunately, that strategy would be hygienic only for the pooper.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Their offensive approach, Lindor explained, derived some from conversations with Little Leaguers about keeping it simple.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The Europeans clearly had coordinated their approach and were speaking with one message if in eight different voices.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • While framed as a technological roadmap, the manifesto doubles as an unintentional and necessary blueprint for how modern organizations must evolve.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The lower floor will be built using Icon's own 3D printer, which will follow a blueprint and extrude a proprietary cement-like mixture out of a nozzle in layers, building up the basic shell.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The concept of radicalization, Thrasher said, is nothing new, but the methodologies have drastically changed.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Palmieri tackled the boiling crescendo and eventual release of tension in salsa music with the methodology of a scientist — a mathematical equation that he was trained and disciplined to resolve.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • New research sees opportunities to similarly slash costs for renewable energy systems and batteries (MIT News) Trump administration reopens $5 billion EV charging program after losses in court.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • In general, such views distinguish forms of happiness and suggest a program for discerning what’s the best overall view.
    Sebastian Purcell August 18, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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