Definition of methodnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word method different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of method are fashion, manner, mode, system, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

Where would fashion be a reasonable alternative to method?

The words fashion and method are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

How do manner and mode relate to one another, in the sense of method?

Manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

In what contexts can mode take the place of method?

Although the words mode and method have much in common, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When can system be used instead of method?

While the synonyms system and method are close in meaning, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might way be a better fit than method?

The words way and method can be used in similar contexts, but way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

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 method The rule of three or the three sisters planting method, commonly known as companion planting, is the practice of growing corn, beans, and squash together. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 May 2026 Vote as many times as you’d like until then without using bots or any other artificial methods of voting. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 4 May 2026 Another method involves manipulating routing through Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026 To do so, the team is moving away from traditional animal models and standard stem cell methods, which often fail to replicate human aging. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
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
  • This highly economical approach enabled her to foreground editing techniques and video effects, as well as color and sound mixing.
    Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • The company aims to make this infrasound technique mainstream in both commercial (for instance, a data center, where sprinklers would damage electronics) and in-home installations, given that sprinklers are already required in all new California homes built in 2011 and later.
    Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Alexander Ugryumov, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at TVEL, stated that burning minor actinides in a commercial reactor is a long-term strategy rather than a single experiment.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
  • In a note on Friday morning, Jordan Rochester, head of FICC strategy for EMEA at Mizuho Bank, agreed that more intervention is likely imminent.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Our team uses an in-house methodology to rank each home warranty provider.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Knowing how difficult things have been for Beran, Geneva coach Brad Wendell was happy to see something finally go his way.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • April 20 – May 20 Someone meets you in a way that feels easy to trust today.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Church’s combination of talent, affability, and fine manners eased his way into New York’s élite, sometimes inspiring envy among his painter friends.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Schiavo, the National Transportation Safety Board and others have also warned that the FAA doesn’t always analyze accident data in a timely manner.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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