manner

Definition of mannernext
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 Monroe was pilloried, in her moment, but she was also allowed by Hollywood to test her talents in a manner that, decades later, actresses known for their physicality still struggle to do. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 1 June 2026 The coroner will determine the cause and manner of death, the sheriff’s office said in a statement Sunday, sending condolences to the Brown family. Dennis Romero, NBC news, 1 June 2026 But also, transfusions need to be done in a safe manner. Torie Bosch, STAT, 1 June 2026 The state Office of the Medical Investigator positively identified Casias, but the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, police said. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Good ex-etiquette means considering how your decisions impact your co-parenting structure, not just your romantic relationship.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • Beyond the discussion about airline etiquette, Rudd also shared one of his favorite memories with wife Julie Yaeger during the podcast.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • It is believed that Baltyuor’s vision for the fest going forward clashed with Pandya Malhotra’s mode of operation, according to sources.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 6 June 2026
  • That concept is already visible in production EVs through regenerative braking systems and one-pedal driving modes.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • For this reason, try to put your hummingbird food far from other bird feeders and, if possible, position several hummingbird feeders across your yard so aggressive hummingbirds can keep a safe space from their own kind.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
  • And by the way, all companies are creating value of some kind.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • All the soap and other bath amenities are organic and made in Mallorca following traditional artisanal methods.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Styles shift, interfaces evolve, new best practices emerge and new production methods enter the workflow, but the core discipline is still the ability to create something that fits within a larger system.
    Goran Paun, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • With his gregarious nature and hard-drinking demeanor, Lobo is an intimidating extraterrestrial mercenary and bounty hunter, but his origin story is brutal, even by those standards.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 6 June 2026
  • The judge relied heavily on Saenz’s demeanor in court and Firpi’s psychological evaluation.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • With just 54 residential-style rooms, an address in Aspen’s quiet West End neighborhood, and high-touch service, the vibe is more private mountain house than hotel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 June 2026
  • The best couches for small spaces are the styles that have a compact silhouette but don’t lack character.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • This is also an excellent day for creative work or coming up with new approaches to medicine or something that is health-related.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • The Ukrainian approach is born of a manpower crisis, where a smaller population has been ravaged by a devastating toll from four years of Russian invasion.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Although service is not quite polished, the happy-go-lucky Dutch-Caribbean staff are refreshingly devoid of attitude.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The show has always affected a devil-may-care attitude, but in previous seasons, less-wearying — not to say light or uplifting — moments came up as a result of the chemistry between the young ensemble.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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