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
But there are other way to pass on the costs to car buyers. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025 Document core processes so tasks are done the same way every time, regardless of who’s doing them. Melissa Johnson, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adverb
Your mother-in-law is also way off base in supporting Maddie in this. Karen Fratti, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025 The 15-minute airport theory guidance is cutting it way too close for comfort. Brittany Anas, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for way
Noun
  • New York has completed the first leg of its road back-to-back.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As global media and consumption habits evolve, the NBA wishes to capitalize on opportunities to produce games in new and unique ways, the commissioner said.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The teen’s happy image, usually in a red polo shirt and carrying a backpack, is as popular in souvenir shops across town as Francis in his simple brown habit.
    Time, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But Giddens herself has often experienced her own career as a lonely, even alienating exercise in trying to carve an industry path that barely previously existed.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Ariane 6 and Vega C are costly, lack a path to reusability, and aren't geared to match SpaceX's blistering launch cadence.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This inherent human tendency, which already harms people and society in an analog setting, is exacerbated by the circumstances of today's world.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • It's thought that morning people act with more awareness because of their tendency to sleep better and have less fatigue or inattention.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Communal spaces—the living room, dining room, kitchen, media lounge, library, and study—are on the ground floor, off the entrance hall.
    Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Rielly had a bit of room on Saros’ right, but the goalkeeper made the save, and the Predators skated down for a chance of their own.
    Omar White, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Volunteers — friends, family and other runners — support us along the route.
    George B. Sánchez-Tello, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
  • People were ordered to evacuate on foot along a single route to the Mawasi area.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Furthermore, this approach offers a fresh perspective by highlighting other underserved areas of the country that may deserve consideration.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But that softer approach doesn’t entirely mask his profound ambition.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For 20 minutes, she’s watched from the back of this long line as the women at the front disappear through the ceiling-high doorway.
    Courtney Crowder, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Archways are positioned to act as doorways, while varying the materials underfoot—gravel, flagstone, grass—delineates each space.
    Teresa Woodard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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