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 States have turned to using the method as access to the drugs needed for lethal injections has been limited in recent years. James Powel, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025 Researchers sought to determine not just how many calories each method burns, but how the body fuels each workout — specifically, whether the body uses carbohydrates or fat as fuel. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025 Read More: The U.S. Can’t Afford to Lose the Biotech Race with China As trust deepens, governments and leading labs could begin sharing safety evaluation methods and results for the most advanced models. Brian Tse, Time, 13 Aug. 2025 These nations had approached teen-pregnancy prevention with the very methods that America had doggedly rejected for decades. Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
Noun
  • They are trained using diverse datasets and learning approaches that reflect the full spectrum of human experience and values.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Ultimately, the colonizers’ different approaches reflected a deeper difference: While Sweden wanted to incorporate the Sámi as Christianized, taxpaying citizens, the British—and later Anglo-Americans—tried to keep the Shawnee and other Native Americans at a distance.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Current quantum architectures use error-mitigating techniques that limit systems to smaller circuits, with just a few cubits.
    Marco Chiappetta, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • All of the experts who spoke to Rolling Stone say that the companies behind these massively successful models have a responsibility to develop watermarking techniques that explicitly state when images were made with their models.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The session will allow the Republicans to remove one of two remaining Democratic Congressional seats in the state, bringing another victory for Trump’s national redistricting strategy.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Maintaining control of the House will be vital for Vance’s strategy of securing his own political standing by racking up wins for Trump.
    Francesca Chambers, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Keep It Practical, Not Perfect There are formal methodologies and structured approaches for problem selection, like Six Sigma.
    Kelly Starman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • More research with an appropriate sample size, methodology, assessment of patient compliance, and follow-up is needed on the topic.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The senior was an efficient 77% passing, kept the ball out of harm’s way and aided multiple scoring drives with his scrambling ability.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2025
  • And maybe an easier way to avoid accidentally switching into its underwhelming all-electric mode.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The former general further called on the public to express their aspirations in a peaceful and constructive manner, and promised their voices will be heard.
    Niniek Karmini, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Here he’s been renamed Vadim (or Vlad) Baranov and is played by Paul Dano in the actor’s charmingly offhand and cerebral manner.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on method

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