mode 1 of 2

Definition of modenext

mode

2 of 2

noun (2)

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of mode are fashion, manner, method, system, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

In what contexts can fashion take the place of mode?

Although the words fashion and mode have much in common, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

How are the words manner and mode related?

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

an odd manner of conducting

Where would method be a reasonable alternative to mode?

The meanings of method and mode largely overlap; however, method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

When would system be a good substitute for mode?

While in some cases nearly identical to mode, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might way be a better fit than mode?

In some situations, the words way and mode are roughly equivalent. However, 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 mode
Noun
Any new-to-the-stage songwriter may need time to acclimate to a new mode, and this particular case may be explained by the fact that Mann, according to reporting, is no longer actively involved in the show’s development. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026 Blue Origin, meanwhile, has shifted into rebuild mode on the Space Coast. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026 This curvy classic Italian supercar arrived last year, in road form and track mode. New Atlas, 5 June 2026 Or airplane, which was Walker’s mode of hockey-to-hospital transportation. Sean Gentille, New York Times, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mode
Noun
  • With just 54 residential-style rooms, an address in Aspen’s quiet West End neighborhood, and high-touch service, the vibe is more private mountain house than hotel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 June 2026
  • The best couches for small spaces are the styles that have a compact silhouette but don’t lack character.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • This new rye whiskey started its life in Illinois, specifically at Chicago craft distillery Koval, which makes some very… interesting spirits (the Koopers trained there as distillers).
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 May 2026
  • As creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, Williams is an organic partner for Moët & Chandon, which belongs to the wines and spirits division of luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • The trend extends well beyond a handful of stars.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
  • Even with its on-trend Susanne Kaufmann spa, the wellness center, which also includes a gym, still feels like a bit of an afterthought.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Given the dramatic manner in which the hulking piers marched down the center of the institution’s narrow corridor, flanked by the photographer’s three-inch-square Polaroids, hung as if in awed supplication, the effect verged on hyperbole, the gnomic ceding to the grandiose.
    James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Everything happens in a fluid, subtle manner.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Expect smart, mood-setting lighting within easy reach of the bed, neon accents that frame the W’s famously comfortable bed, a tech-forward setup that feels intuitive, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Its design mirrors the user’s mood to keep the conversation flowing.
    Hansa Bhargava, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The latests stats mean AI music has exploded by 650% in 16 months.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The latests forecasts show a new round of storm systems will increase rain chances across much of Northern California and the Central Valley in the coming days.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Shen’s hustle set an early tone.
    Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
  • Giglio, one of the seven Tuscan islands, has always carried that tone in its history.
    Valentina Di Donato, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • That kicked off the weight-loss-medication craze.
    Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
  • The series also taps into the current craze of new-adult stories — that is, focused on characters in that stage of life between teen and full-fledged adulthood — many specifically set in the pressure-cooker environment that college and university settings naturally supply to make romance spark.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mode. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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