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

Examples 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 Her zeal for fashion was even hands-on during runway shows — although that tactile approach was always done with impeccable manners that were no doubt gleaned during her schoolgirl years at the prestigious Miss Porter’s School. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024 The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to perform an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Dec. 2024 The level of outward emotional expression here is simply kept at a level true to figures who may inwardly be reaching their boiling point, but are still held back by self-respect and polite manners. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024 The victim stated that the subject began to aggressively and in an exaggerated manner shake her arm up and down in a hand shaking motion. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for manner 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Dear Life Kit is NPR's advice column, where experts answer tricky questions about relationships, social etiquette, work culture and more.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The women were taught etiquette by Weston’s daughters and — dressed in matching in smart dark navy suits and hats — got to watch the Coronation from a perfect spot on Piccadilly in central London.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Fortnite is launching a permanent mode featuring the original map and gameplay from its 2017 release.
    Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The final, boss-level light mode combines aspects of all three settings for a 23 percent reduction in eye, brain, and muscle coordination.
    RM Clark, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Shapes of all kinds have been trending for the past five years, but primarily almond (oval with a more pointed tip), square, and coffin.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
  • And ultimately, if casual viewers such as myself are to pay to watch the Galaxy or LAFC on a screen of some kind, the on-field product will be why.
    Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This method is about more than just writing good emails.
    Grace Butler, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • As stylists performed their assorted looks, guests could walk around, speak with them about methods, and vote for their favorite styles (the bantu knots, wash-n-go, and wavy curls were front runners).
    Cierra Black, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • His demeanor and posture changed immediately, as did his team’s.
    Mladen Kresic, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Mooney puts on his best Awkward Guy demeanor, wearing a sweater vest and hovering in the corner.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2024
  • One of the biggest things that shaped Rivera’s success and style as a head coach is his military upbringing, due to being the son of a U.S. Army Warrant Officer.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This proactive approach provides a culture in which ethical AI use becomes standard and supports both compliance and integrity.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Trump has tried to soften his image on immigration restriction, if not his hard-nosed approach to policy.
    Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The clash of timing musically mirrors the combative attitudes and conflicting agendas of the various factions within the College of Cardinals.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Dec. 2024
  • These limits are not part of the formal policy but are shaped by the workplace environment, including the behavior and attitudes of leaders and colleagues.
    Christine Michel Carter, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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