method

noun

ˈme-thəd How to pronounce method (audio)
Definition of methodnext
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

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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 Starting watermelon seeds indoors offer several benefits like producing a longer, earlier harvest, but the downside is that this method requires lots of room and time commitment. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 June 2025 The Committee of Bar Examiners will soon ask the state Supreme Court to also approve a scoring method that could increase some scores on the performance portion of their exams using statistical analysis, according to Bloomberg Law. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025 While hemp can be used for industrial methods, it’s also used for medicinal purposes. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025 Pricing can also vary by region, and depending on third-party payment methods, additional taxes or international transaction fees may apply. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for method
Recent Examples of Synonyms for method
  1. approach
  2. technique
  3. strategy
  4. methodology
  5. way
  6. manner
Noun
  • Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2025
  • What’s your approach to treating players as individuals?
    — Maria Fontoura, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025
Definition of approach
Noun
  • The Ballymaloe Cookbook, first published in 1977, underscores the school’s humble philosophy, formed by Allen’s mother, Myrtle: The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients negates the need for complicated or fancy techniques.
    — Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 7 June 2025
  • One such restaurant is Noda, which marries Japanese techniques and ingredients with French influence.
    — Bella Stoddart, CNBC, 6 June 2025
Definition of technique
Noun
  • But, at this point, Edelman believes that advisers who value diversification as a strategy in their clients’ portfolio — eg, across asset classes, sectors, etc. — would be remiss not to recommend adding at least a small amount of digital asset exposure.
    — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • These changes were more than just rebrands: each new name came along with a fundamentally different business strategy.
    — Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of strategy
Noun
  • Yet no methodology or category of evidence was as compelling to nineteenth-century Americans than the human body itself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
    — Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 6 June 2025
Definition of methodology
Noun
  • The difficulty is knowing where to look when a landscape is constantly changing in unpredictable ways.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • And one of the fastest ways to lose it is poor communication.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of way
Noun
  • Investigators have not yet publicly released a positive identification or details regarding the cause or manner of death.
    — Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
  • Patching and firmware updates must be applied in a timely manner.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of manner

Browse Nearby Words

metes (out)
method
methodical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/method. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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