Thesaurus results for METHOD

Q: How is the word 'method' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of method are fashion , manner , mode , system , and way . While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps. // effective teaching methods

Q: Where would 'fashion' be a reasonable alternative to 'method'?

The words fashion and method are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something. // rushing about in his typical fashion

Q: How do 'manner' and 'mode' relate to one another, in the sense of 'method'?

Manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive. // an odd manner of conducting

Q: In what contexts can 'mode' take the place of 'method'?

Although the words mode and method have much in common, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference. // the preferred mode of transportation

Q: When can 'system' be used instead of 'method'?

While the synonyms system and method are close in meaning, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness. // a filing system

Q: When might 'way' be a better fit than 'method'?

The words way and method can be used in similar contexts, but way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words. // has her own way of doing things

method

noun

ˈme-thəd

Definition of method next

as in approach

the means or procedure for doing something the city council is stuck in the last century and needs to adopt more modern methods for doing things

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of method are fashion, manner, mode, system, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

Where would fashion be a reasonable alternative to method?

The words fashion and method are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 method?

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

an odd manner of conducting

In what contexts can mode take the place of method?

Although the words mode and method have much in common, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When can system be used instead of method?

While the synonyms system and method are close in meaning, system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might way be a better fit than method?

The words way and method can be used in similar contexts, but 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 method In contrast to traditional recycling, its non-degenerative regeneration method returns fibers to high-value use, giving the materials a genuine second life. —

Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026 The algorithm was also able to identify new neighborhoods, regions that previous neuroscience methods, including the Allen Mouse Brain Common Coordinate Framework, had missed. —

Amber Dance, Quanta Magazine, 9 Feb. 2026 But a growing cohort of reformers and psychologists believed that beating a baby might not be the best method to encourage its development. —

Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 Another method for cleaning silver involves filling an aluminum pan with hot water, salt, and baking soda, stirring until dissolved, and then soaking the pieces until a chemical reaction occurs that removes the tarnish. —

Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for method

Recent Examples of Synonyms for method

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