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
  • Flagg — while looking decidedly not himself — went into takeover mode late, scoring all 14 of his second-half points in the final 6:05.
    Justin Williams, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Having a workout routine of any kind is an awesome way to reap some of the amazing benefits of exercise, like a boosted mood, improved heart health, and better slumber.
    Christa Sgobba, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Everything is processed, there’s no real meat of any kind.
    Bob Guccione Jr., SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Celebrities like Meghan Markle and Demi Moore are routinely opting for slimmer pants styles as of late, and one A-list power couple just proved that the trend isn’t going anywhere next season.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But some conservatives and anti-tax groups say a massive bond measure is not the right approach.
    Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025
  • This approach to research is known as a military-civilian partnership.
    Adit Ginde, The Conversation, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Instead of repeating his laissez-faire attitude toward his own administration, the Republican president is asserting control at every opportunity, backed up by loyalists at all levels of government.
    Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Putin praised this new US attitude towards his country.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near manner

Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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