manner

1
as in etiquette
manners plural personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting the young man's impeccable manners are an unmistakable sign of a good upbringing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in mode
a distinctive way of putting ideas into words the former doctor writes his novels very much in the manner of someone who is used to observing the smallest details

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun manner contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manner are bearing, carriage, demeanor, deportment, and mien. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," manner implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others.

the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders

When can bearing be used instead of manner?

The meanings of bearing and manner largely overlap; however, bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

When could carriage be used to replace manner?

The words carriage and manner are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

In what contexts can demeanor take the place of manner?

The synonyms demeanor and manner are sometimes interchangeable, but demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

When is deportment a more appropriate choice than manner?

The words deportment and manner can be used in similar contexts, but deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

Where would mien be a reasonable alternative to manner?

In some situations, the words mien and manner are roughly equivalent. However, mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.

a mien of supreme self-satisfaction

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 manner Here are the Saints announcing their relegation from the Premier League in the manner of a club which has just confirmed its League One play-off spot. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 Team sources say David Adelman, whose steadiness and calm demeanor is in stark contrast to Malone’s manner, has a tremendous amount of support from the most important players. Sam Amick, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has not released the cause or manner of the deaths, conclusions that are in some cases informed by a police investigation. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2025 This is where the puppy fosters come in so the dog is trained to basic obedience, learning day-to-day with the family, house manners, interacting with different people, the household. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • There's another group of passengers who should never remove their shoes, said Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, an etiquette expert.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Jo Hayes is an etiquette expert, consultant, and the founder of Etiquette Expert.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Hornets are officially in planning and evaluation mode now.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The White Sox were already in defensive mode after another awful start to the season.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Wednesday's jury award marks one of the largest of its kind since the advent of the #MeToo movement, as well as in New York state history, said attorney Brad Beckworth, of the law firm Nix Patterson LLP, in an interview.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The study, believed to be the first of its kind, was published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine by a team at Oklahoma State University (OSU).
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Equally valuable is the platform's ability to connect agents to enterprise data through various methods, including standard protocols and direct API integration.
    Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • With this method, plants can die back and decompose and become incorporated into the soil.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes a team’s cold demeanor is not personal but rather a reflection of an overall atmosphere of stress or miscommunication that affects everyone.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Just as importantly, Brivio says, Ogura’s apparent calm demeanor turned out to be a genuine cornerstone of his personality.
    Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Beyond fashion deals, the shop’s charm is the cross-generational style advice dispensed by both women.
    Amy Tara Koch, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • How could this happen to such a visceral, joyous style of music?
    John Blake, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This approach allows the system to generate new frames on demand rather than following traditional rendering rules.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
  • In it, Blanche outlines a decentralized approach in which U.S. attorney’s offices will now take the lead on digital asset cases, focusing primarily on crimes involving terrorism.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Use this insider knowledge to your advantage.) Come to the table with the attitude of creating a win-win scenario for yourself and the seller.
    Ryan Serhant, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Like a lot of that stuff increases your overall perspective on life and your attitude and stuff.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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