manner

1
as in etiquette
manners plural personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting the young man's impeccable manners are an unmistakable sign of a good upbringing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in mode
a distinctive way of putting ideas into words the former doctor writes his novels very much in the manner of someone who is used to observing the smallest details

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun manner contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manner are bearing, carriage, demeanor, deportment, and mien. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," manner implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others.

the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders

When can bearing be used instead of manner?

The meanings of bearing and manner largely overlap; however, bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

When could carriage be used to replace manner?

The words carriage and manner are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

In what contexts can demeanor take the place of manner?

The synonyms demeanor and manner are sometimes interchangeable, but demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

When is deportment a more appropriate choice than manner?

The words deportment and manner can be used in similar contexts, but deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

Where would mien be a reasonable alternative to manner?

In some situations, the words mien and manner are roughly equivalent. However, mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.

a mien of supreme self-satisfaction

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 manner Parks' body will be taken to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the manner and cause of death. Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025 After taking care of business on the scoreboard, Matthew Tkachuk took care of business with Aho, taunting and pushing and trying to fight him in a manner Aho didn’t want and his Carolina teammates didn’t rush. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 25 May 2025 His first move was updating the dialogue to create characters that were fleshed out in a more contemporary manner. William Earl, Variety, 23 May 2025 That was not the case this year, as Latin Academy won each set – 25-22, 25-19, and 25-20 – in convincing manner. Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Follow these mowing etiquette tips to avoid being the one that your neighbors are complaining about on Reddit.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2025
  • Say Yes to the Dress, studying etiquette columns about bridal party issues and combing through social media posts of canines in floral crowns, choreographed bridal party entrances and trendy donut walls.
    Lian Dolan, People.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Hard mode, for instance, increases resource scarcity and enemy aggression, offering a sterner test for seasoned players.
    Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
  • The Sky look to be in win-now mode, adding tenacious two-guard Ariel Atkins and giving a curtain call to Courtney Vandersloot.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • While a return to European competition of any kind would be something to heartily celebrate, playing in the third-tier Conference League’s qualifying rounds would somehow still feel like scant reward for a season that promised even more for so long.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • The bill would bar Medicaid from paying for services of any kind at nonprofits that are primarily engaged in family planning or reproductive health and provide abortions.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • The only way to avoid jail is paying money, usually with a gift card, but a method becoming more common is paying by cryptocurrency.
    Wayne Ford, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Whether this method works depends on what's flowering and growing at different times in the season, how hungry the rabbits are, and how many rabbits invade your garden.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • And while the score may indicate the Panthers dominated, the analytics and coach Paul Maurice’s postgame demeanor said otherwise.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • But despite her charming demeanor, the sweet girl has been waiting a long time for a place to call her own, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) says.
    TJ Macias, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Lopez wore her honey blonde hair in an ultra-long, straight style.
    Rachel Flynn, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • This style combines an espadrille platform with a slide-on upper for a fun summer vibe.
    Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Establish a new culture, replacing the emotionless, do-your-job style of Bill Belichick with a more modern, player-friendly approach.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • Another part of Marietta's approach to wellness is education — for recruits and working cops, as well as their families.
    Katja Ridderbusch, NPR, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Armed with such an attitude and unencumbered by expectation, Arsenal produced one of its great performances, Stina Blackstenius’ goal in the 74th minute proving the difference between the two teams.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
  • With devil-may-care attitude, Johnson found joy in every stanza, operating in total synergy with Angus Young.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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