way 1 of 2

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as in room
an extent or area available for or used up by some activity or thing made way for them to pass

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in route
the direction along which something or someone moves go the same way that the school bus does

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in doorway
the opening through which one can enter or leave a structure we came in the back way

Synonyms & Similar Words

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way

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of way are fashion, manner, method, mode, and system. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

In what contexts can fashion take the place of way?

Although the words fashion and way have much in common, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

How are the words manner and mode related as synonyms of way?

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 way?

The synonyms method and way are sometimes interchangeable, but method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

Where would mode be a reasonable alternative to way?

The words mode and way are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When might system be a better fit than way?

In some situations, the words system and way are roughly equivalent. However, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

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 way
Noun
And 25 years of astronauts from all over the world living and working together to pave the way for future space exploration. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025 The game play or the drama unfolds in a way that really matches that character’s atmosphere or that character’s aura. Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2025
Adverb
In a horrific twist, Kasumi (Kana Hanazawa) wakes up way too early — and thus has to battle the ferocious beasties to survive. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025 Instead, Blake comes out with a dessert that is way too small for the entire cast to share. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for way
Noun
  • Running Fence was envisioned as a fabric-laden fence that would traverse Sonoma and Marin counties in Northern California to the sea, crossing roads, highways, and private property.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Reports also indicate that despite Clooney’s jokes about it, the actor isn’t planning to make a habit of nights like that one.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Barrymore’s making adjustments to her beauty habits as well.
    Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Vietnamese authorities have ordered mass evacuations from low-lying coastal areas in the path of Typhoon Kalmaegi, the 13th to hit Vietnam this year.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • There is no official agreement, internal or otherwise, and Republicans and Democrats Wednesday sounded no closer to a path forward.
    Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The collaboration between certain MAGA influencers and animal-rights activists has drawn out the most confrontational tendencies within each camp.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
  • One way to estimate your tendency is with a Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire.
    Allison Aubrey, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The energy Mamdani inspired could be felt in the Paramount as people of all races and genders across the age spectrum danced in the room to upbeat rap and pop music.
    Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The neutral tones and organic elements of the hotel’s 349 rooms and suites soothe the spirit and mirror the otherworldly atmosphere of the Riviera Maya.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz are much better at providing the low delivery on the run, while Borna Sosa, trying the aerial route, kept finding the heads of Fredrikstad players in the first leg.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The Center assigns them to specific flight routes and schedules where scientists think in-situ data would improve the forecasts as much as possible.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The research team claimed that this approach enables AeroMap to capture the main effects of drag without the high computing demands of more detailed simulations.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
  • This uneven approach means leaders can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
    Feon Ang, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Christmas Garland Add a touch of winter magic to bannisters, doorways, and fireplace mantels with this 72-inch garland that includes pops of red berries, faux cypress, and pine.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Russell sleeps, bathes and eats in the living room because his wheelchair can’t fit through narrow halls and doorways.
    Addie Costello, jsonline.com, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/way. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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