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 Classical methods of solving these problems, which often involve churning through possible solutions in clever ways, quickly become untenable. Stephen Ornes, Wired News, 27 Apr. 2025 Accelerate debt payoff: Use the debt snowball method to pay off your smallest balance first, then the next smallest balance, and repeat until all balances are paid off. Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025 Take caution and use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, while taking antibiotics.7 4. Ashley Wong, Health, 26 Apr. 2025 That is a shift in mindset from previous incumbents and to win the FA Cup would be vindication for the Austrian’s methods — for his positive approach and that relentless desire to utilise ‘intrinsic motivation’. Sam Lee, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • While a streamlined approach to the extraction shooter genre from the studio behind Halo and Destiny sounds like a recipe for casual and hardcore gamer gold, the execution leaves all the hype behind.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
  • Insufficient research has been conducted to determine which approach is most effective.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Why Sponge Painting Should Stay In The Past Even when paired with modern elements, Gruver says that the technique demands too much attention from the eye.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
  • The technique seen in the clergyman also hasn’t been reported in scientific literature before, Nerlich added.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • In a memo, the agency called for strategies to improve access to the medications in countries that are low- and middle-income, Reuters summarized.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • But the study's methodology, statistical rigor, risk of bias, and lack of data transparency continue to draw criticism.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
  • This methodology could significantly lower computing costs further during pre-training and facilitate enhanced inference performance.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Though olive oil coffee can be a healthy way to enjoy your daily coffee, consuming it in moderation is key.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 2 May 2025
  • The practice is a way of acknowledging those who reach out to wish them well for the occasion.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • The Empire is full of bickering bureaucrats, which is fun to watch though bad for getting the Death Star done in a timely manner, and Darth Vader power walks into scenes that both undermine his icon status yet also cement it.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Her autopsy determined the manner of death as natural.
    Tracy Wright , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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