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

Relevance
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

3
4

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 More than a quarter of school employees skip annual cybersecurity trainings, according to the comptroller’s office — and if a breach does occur, local education officials may fail to report the incident or notify families in a timely manner. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026 The cause and manner of Paige’s death have not yet been determined, and the investigation remains active and ongoing. Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 4 May 2026 Other works in the Gagosian show will include Wrapped Automobile—Volvo, Model PV-544 (1981), a car wrapped in the manner that made Christo famous that has not been shown in 30 years. Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 4 May 2026 The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Because good ex-etiquette isn’t about pretending the past didn’t happen.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Get the answer to these questions and more plant shopping etiquette from a nursery expert so can shop nurseries with confidence, and save some time and money, too.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At this, the reënactor—whose name was Jen Roger and whose real job was director of the Nevada State Museum in Carson City—went into docent mode.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Alternativa is addressing the issue by creating a distribution arm that has already been in talks with platforms, TV channels, in-flight systems and other ancillary distribution modes.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • See more paraphernalia of other kinds!
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Aged for at least 10 months in order to develop a complex flavor profile, this goat cheese is firmer than the softer, often spreadable forms of the fresh kind.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • As long as college remains a way for upwardly mobile kids to stand out from one another, and as long as employers believe that a better college degree is a sign of a better potential worker, the American university system should survive, even if teaching methods change.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2026
  • Covering, as the method is called, means blocking the invasive plants from receiving sunlight and not being able to conduct photosynthesis.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • But he was known also for an ever-ready smile, an unflappable temperament and unassuming demeanor, an ego-less willingness to pitch in to help other reporters on stories large and small, and a quirky sense of humor that lightened the stress of many a deadline.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
  • But her middle sister, Amber, also made an impact with her demeanor for Oak Forest.
    Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Gang historian Alex Alonso said the gang unit’s hyper-aggressive style of policing has alienated generations of Black and brown Angelenos.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • The youngest Issa falls somewhere in between her sisters’ styles.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The experience exposed her to the work of American video artists Gary Hill and Bill Viola, who offered influential examples of new videomaking approaches.
    Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • One idea, conversation, or realization can shift your approach in a lasting way.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Wintour then praised her co-chair Lauren Sánchez Bezos, citing her energy and positive attitude.
    Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026
  • The reality is that, nowadays, a can-do attitude and unrelenting work ethic aren’t enough to live comfortably, much less to achieve the same American dream our parents did.
    Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on manner

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster