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
What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web? Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 How To Freeze Butter for Longer Storage Freezing butter is a great way to extend its shelf life but there are a few things to keep in mind before simply tossing it into the freezer. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 June 2025
Adverb
Has tipping culture gone way off the rails in the United States? Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 20 June 2025 Second, there are way too many checks and balances, starting at the top from the Arisons, for Pat Riley to sorely insist on living in the moment (nor have there been any such indications). Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for way
Noun
  • The partnership extended off the track, too, with the German and British marques pairing up to build a stylish road car based on the legendary 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
  • The government urged residents to remain calm, head to the nearest safest place and to use main roads only when necessary.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Inspired by Napoleon’s habit of using toy soldiers to plot his military battles, the designer dotted the entrance with giant cutouts with gold outlines, and shrouded the floor in smoke.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
  • No title yet revealed, but the pod will launch mid-July, the duo engage in heartfelt and unfiltered conversations about everyday life such as discuss raising a family, cultivating gardens, home improvements, careers, fostering healthy habits and aging.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • As with any major legislation, the path forward is shaped as much by politics as by policy.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Although Disney could have made Underworld, as well as Lucas' vision of the Sequel Trilogy, time has shown us the company took a different path with the franchise.
    Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Having been sober for many decades herself, Bev recognizes the narcissism of addiction, the way addicts have a tendency to put themselves at the center of the universe.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • People with avoidant tendencies often pull away emotionally, while those with anxious tendencies may cling out of fear.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The small, ragtag crew of replacements that Kennedy appointed two days later met this week for the first time, amid lots of empty chairs in a conference room in Atlanta.
    Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 28 June 2025
  • President Donald Trump speaks to the media, Friday, June 27, 2025, in the briefing room of the White House in Washington.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Plus, lighthouse fans can find more than 100 beacons along the route.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 17 June 2025
  • Humanitarian aid sites and routes in Gaza have become flashpoints in recent weeks, according to the Hamas-run ministry.
    Ellie Kaufman, ABC News, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Innovative educators are already modifying their approaches.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • His elastic counter-melodic approach to the bass redefined the role of the instrument in jazz and helped Evans reshape the very concept of the piano trio.
    Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Simon Says This little eatery is accessed via a doorway in the center of town that leads to an open-air oasis built around trees and hanging plants.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025
  • That was sort of my language into him, some doorway into him.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/way. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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