Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mannerism contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mannerism are affectation, airs, air, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When would affectation be a good substitute for mannerism?

In some situations, the words affectation and mannerism are roughly equivalent. However, affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

When can air be used instead of mannerism?

The words air and mannerism can be used in similar contexts, but air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

When could airs be used to replace mannerism?

Although the words airs and mannerism have much in common, airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

When is pose a more appropriate choice than mannerism?

The words pose and mannerism are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

her shyness was just a pose

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 mannerism Sebastian Stan carried over Donald Trump mannerisms to 'Thunderbolts' Will Donald Trump see 'The Apprentice'? Shania Russell, EW.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Thin with effeminate mannerisms, Mulumba, who is Ugandan American, grew up in a yellow house in Westchester with six siblings; their mother; and their father, Dr. Joseph Kazigo, a surgeon. John J. Lennon, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025 Fans of the film noticed the similarities between the actor and his character’s mannerisms, which surprised the Deadpool actor. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025 These mannerisms trickle down to the organization’s employees. John Hall, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mannerism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerism
Noun
  • Rea allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings, improving to 4-0 with another no-flash performance that did the trick.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
  • Label tricks, regional cues and color considerations for better picking at the wine shop.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Powered by Adelaide, Forbes AI Psychological safety, defined by McKinsey as the absence of interpersonal fear, is often cited as a defining trait of high-performing, innovative teams.
    Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Wirtz is focused more on the micro, with delicate touches and deft flicks, compared to Szoboszlai’s macro traits of energy and power.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.
    Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • From engaging with the rich tradition of equestrian fashion to exploring the nuanced world of Kentucky bourbon and even discovering the unique characteristics of Icelandic horses, Shelby County offers visitors an enriching few days in the Blue Grass State.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • In addition, he’s also made a habit of gathering a handful of players together every night for a dinner at the Cowboys’ members-only speakeasy restaurant on the top level of The Star in Frisco, Cowboys Club.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
  • Standout Interviewee Habits: How to Take Things to the Next Level Deliver a clear personal pitch To stand out from the crowd, Marino-Briggs recommends a few key habits.
    Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • The series existed in a strange plane that welcomed all quirks (and Kirks, including Cat Kirk), and in a way, that’s the most nurturing environment of all for teens.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
  • The ample supply of such products means the price hikes likely result from quirks in consumer taste, potentially resulting from the prices commanded by specialty brands, Sharif added.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Partners with the expertise to guide their enterprise customers through the idiosyncrasies and nuances of different marketplaces will be in demand in the coming years, as enterprises seek input and guidance.
    David Grant, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • In an expansive interview alongside playwright and filmmaker David Mamet, LaBeouf spoke about how his and Coppola's disparate idiosyncrasies often led to frustrations on set of the sprawling sci-fi drama, which had been a decades-long passion project for Coppola but ended up as a high-profile flop.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Was this down to the peculiarities of the circuit or has Red Bull more or less caught up?
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Antoine’s peculiarities perhaps cut deepest, even seemingly superficial ones.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That fateful connection would snowball into a lifelong friendship and artistic partnership that thrives on curiosity, trust and unabashed eccentricity.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Through the divination trial, the audience learns that much of Lilia’s eccentricity comes from her experience living life out of order, giving more context to moments earlier in the season, where the character would blurt out what seemed to be random statements.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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