Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of method are fashion, manner, mode, system, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

Where would fashion be a reasonable alternative to method?

The words fashion and method are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 method?

Manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

In what contexts can mode take the place of method?

Although the words mode and method have much in common, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When can system be used instead of method?

While the synonyms system and method are close in meaning, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might way be a better fit than method?

The words way and method can be used in similar contexts, but 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 method Select your sharing method; usually, Messages is the default. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Dubin duly provides — with the assistance of stories from his time as an executive coach and his own experience — a method for identifying these issues. Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Traditional math refers to the method of instruction before Common Core. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025 Despite these uncertainties, the authors believe gen AI’s dual role—as a transformative platform and as a method for accelerating invention—bodes well for long-term economic growth if barriers to widespread adoption can be overcome. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • Others take the opposite approach, giving their kids free rein with little oversight.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Universal Pictures is taking a new approach to combat mass theft of its movies to teach artificial intelligence systems.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The technique and precision required in an event like the triple jump might be another reason that Edwards’ 18.29 has stood the test of time.
    George Ramsay, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Many local winemakers here practice organic or biodynamic methods, and there’s a focus on low-intervention techniques.
    Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Pierce Crosby, managing partner of strategy consulting firm Merchant Seven, spoke to these developments.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Watson, previously Deputy Chief Communications Officer at Warner Bros. Discovery, will work with Paramount’s Chief Communications Officer Melissa Zukerman to lead the company’s communications strategy, with a focus on executive, financial, and internal communications.
    Peter White, Deadline, 6 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
  • Stassi will look to fight her way onto the podium in New Orleans.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Rudy spends the film trying to make his way back across the border.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Carey continues in her characteristically reserved manner.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025
  • What had happened, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, was that a man named Jalen Welch, 25, walked into the argument holding a pistol in a threatening manner and approached the shooter, described as a man from Oak Park.
    Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on method

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