manner

Definition of mannernext
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 The Constitution says states control the times, places and manner of holding elections. ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026 Her preliminary cause of death is listed as smoke inhalation and the manner of her death is pending investigation, according to a coroner news release. Aaron Valdez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026 The goal of these meetings is to show that differences can be addressed in a civil manner through a team effort. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026 His manner, at least, is encouraging. Robert Lloyd, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • One is sheer ignorance of this etiquette rule.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
  • That includes basic phone etiquette, writing, professional dress, and openness to feedback.
    Wilborn P. Nobles III, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The pair lives on an isolated island in a converted prison, rendered in full coastal gothic mode at Steppenwolf by the set designer Collette Pollard, who makes fine use of the theater’s soaring vertical height.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Terrain mode select is a specialized traction control feature available on AWD models, including the X-Line and X-Pro trims.
    Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The arbitrator was moved by his story but ruled against him anyway, denying him his last chance for a win of any kind at this year’s Olympics.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Returning on her sixth studio album, To Whom It May Concern, the Philadelphia native brings in immeasurable wisdom, blossoming into the effortless positivity and authenticity of past albums—the kind that has assisted multiple generations on their respective healing journeys.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Wuthering Heights press tour, for which Margot Robbie has returned to method-dressing mode, is near impossible to escape.
    Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The mechanical process involves reclaiming and shredding pre-consumer footwear uppers in a closed-loop method to create ThermoPlume PrimaLoft ReRun material.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Of course, once Carey got her hands on one of her signature whistle notes (those really, really high pitches that very few singers can achieve) her voice strengthened, if not her performance demeanor, which remain staid and almost nervous and uncomfortable throughout.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The Royals lauded Wacha for his pitching insight and calm demeanor.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The risk remained even after researchers accounted for how closely people followed a healthy Mediterranean-style diet.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The co-founder of Airbnb, Gebbia ran through the new website with Oz, a former television show host, during the informercial-style event.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Malinin acknowledged taking a measured approach to what is widely considered the sport's most difficult jump.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Mingarelli and colleagues hunted for supermassive black hole binaries using their new approach in 114 Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs), the bright central regions of galaxies where supermassive black holes are ravenously feasting on surrounding gas and dust.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The experience informed his attitude toward the Oklahoma Insurance Department, with which Coppermark has had a long and litigious relationship.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • That attitude gives Megan relief.
    Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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