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 The Gulf countries are having to reiterate their commitment to the Palestinian people in a manner that puts them in a difficult position vis-à-vis normalization and the Abraham Accords. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025 The manner of death was determined to be a homicide, the family’s lawyers said. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025 And so the manner of death — suicide or homicide — remained an open question. Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025 His cause and manner of death will be released by the medical examiner. Abigail Adams, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for manner 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Trump’s election has only solidified the new legal framework for what is permissible when considering race and gender in hiring, promotion, and workplace etiquette.
    Casey Harper | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Plane etiquette seems so simple — be spatially aware, don’t bother other passengers and follow the instructions of the air crew.
    Bella Stoddart,Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Transparency mode isn’t as natural-sounding as that of the AirPods Pro.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Up to four players can duke it out with sliding paddles and marbles shot out of cannons, in any of three different game modes.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Attendees will hear first hand about how Tubi fuels fandoms of all kinds with the world’s largest collection of movies and TV episodes, including over 300 exclusive originals, engaging viewers with a fun and easy entertainment experience.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Everything is processed, there’s no real meat of any kind.
    Bob Guccione Jr., SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Mister Robinson emulated Rogers' talk-to-the-camera method, though with tougher, more adult tales than the original.
    Kate Hogan, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Its skin microbiome testing method, which goes beyond simple bacterial identification, provides a comprehensive analysis of the microbial ecosystem living on your skin.
    WWD, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Thomas’ confidence was, in many ways, a product of de Lannoy’s coaching, where his friendly and encouraging demeanor helped Thomas grow from a shy freshman to a vocal upperclassman.
    Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • But rather than raise alarm, her listless demeanor ends up dredging up difficult conversations with her mother (Betty Buckley), her friends (Samantha Mathis and Robin Tunney) and later still with a creepy, stalking neighbor (Clifton Collins Jr.).
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Post-Season Pick ($16.99) comes with 10 wings any style, curly fries, and a Pepsi or Bud Light for $16.99.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The house itself was commanding even though there were only two stories and it was built in a nondescript, sort of Craftsman style.
    The Editors of AD, Architectural Digest, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This crowd-wise approach would help Trump achieve his goals.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
  • How can a story justify that approach to a character whose violence reaches a body count in the millions?
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Van Buren returns shortly with a newly contrite attitude, having come around to his library’s merits and read up on Toth’s prior designs in Hungary.
    Anthony Paletta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Yet, people have a new, more favorable attitude toward his presidency in retrospect, certainly compared to the current occupant of the White House.
    Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near manner

Cite this Entry

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

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