MANNERISM Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mannerism

noun

ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm

Definition of mannerism next

as in trick

an odd or peculiar habit quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes

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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 In order to become a character at the parks, DeVore underwent a rigorous audition and training process in order to get the fairy's mannerisms down to a science. —

Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026 Kusher is perfectly cast in the role, mirroring the mannerisms and obsessions of our real-life trillionaires and billionaires. —

Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026 His onscreen presence tautens his creation of images; his own repertory of mannerisms, expressions, and gestures is uniquely attuned to his cinematic universe. —

Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026 But again, Davison is perfect for the part; his awkward mannerisms and pleading sad eyes sometimes giving him a mousy appearance himself. —

Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mannerism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerism

Noun

Seven of the 12 finalists fell in their first run in snowy conditions, which made landing tricks more of a challenge.

— Sean Gregory, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Van Der Beek, twisting his remarkable life into a piece of comedy, pulled the same kind of trick.

— Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026

Definition of trick

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

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of mannerism

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