Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of system are fashion, manner, method, mode, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might fashion be a better fit than system?

While in some cases nearly identical to system, 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 system?

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

an odd manner of conducting

When would method be a good substitute for system?

The words method and system can be used in similar contexts, but method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

When is it sensible to use mode instead of system?

The meanings of mode and system largely overlap; however, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When can way be used instead of system?

The words way and system are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 system In compensation, Google offered a third-party system from its new partner ADT. ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025 Workers need lifeline but struggle to get it The lawsuit, Okamura v. Employment Development Department, has highlighted a longstanding issue in California’s unemployment insurance system. Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Hinshelwood, born 20 miles away in Chichester, has come through the academy coaching system from a small boy to star in the first team and to be fast-tracked into the England’s under-21s at 19. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 The city's elevated rapid transit system and subway shut down. Time, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for system
Recent Examples of Synonyms for system
Noun
  • After Trump was elected in November, investors initially saw Musk’s alliance with the incoming president as a positive development for Tesla and its long-running efforts to launch a network of self-driving cars.
    Michael Liedtke, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Visa isn’t the only big credit card network treating fraud as not only a threat, but a business opportunity.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Note: Where most Starlink users will be using a Residential service plan for their monthly service fees, Mini users will need a Starlink Roam plan, which is meant for users who are using the service on the go or frequently moving locations.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Growing football in his home town is a long-term plan, but in the immediate future Richard is fixed on growing in English football with Palace.
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But whatever the method, the goal was always to delight and one-up each other.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2025
  • While attempting to solve the case, the duo must learn how to partner despite Park’s never-ending skepticism of Cupp’s methods and Cupp’s commitment to stay true to herself, even if that means having brief intermissions for birding.
    Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The lawmakers pressed Hamilton to explain the change in strategy.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • His successor, Lip-Bu Tan, appointed earlier this month, has yet to set out his strategy.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Furthermore, this approach offers a fresh perspective by highlighting other underserved areas of the country that may deserve consideration.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The deal highlights Max’s approach in France, where the service, which launched last year, is available directly, as well as non-exclusively on pay-TV platform Canal+ and Amazon Prime.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the United States, many firms have learned lessons from hurricanes, data breaches or product recalls, turning those experiences into a blueprint for improvement.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Indonesia’s first-ever Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has outlined an ambitious blueprint for the nation’s cultural growth, with special emphasis on developing the country’s rapidly expanding film industry.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Mar. 2025
  • This methodology aligns with findings from Forrester Research, which reports that companies leveraging VoC programs see customer retention rates increase by up to 55%.
    Andrea Wasserman, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Willard spoke fervently about needing contractual assurances of his program’s share.
    Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Boise State offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, who worked for the program during Jeanty’s freshman season in 2022 and returned last year, knew the back was going to be good.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/system. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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