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 Whether despite this background or because of it, young Zac becomes preoccupied with the outward signs of extreme wealth, luxury cars especially, in a manner somewhat precocious but not entirely remarkable for a teenage boy. Mark O’Connell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026 An autopsy is being done on the remains to determine the manner and cause of Limon’s death, and those results were expected Saturday, Maurer said Friday. Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Her cause of death was ruled to be mechanical asphyxiation, and the manner of death was homicide. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Located in the heart of the Stockyards, Hotel Drover, an Autograph Collection hotel, is in prime position for soaking up the city’s Old West spirit in the form of cattle drives, honky-tonks, and historic shops peddling all manner of Western gear. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manner
Noun
  • Because good ex-etiquette isn’t about pretending the past didn’t happen.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Get the answer to these questions and more plant shopping etiquette from a nursery expert so can shop nurseries with confidence, and save some time and money, too.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • All modes of severe weather will be possible, including damaging winds, hail, flooding, and even a tornado.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • At some point, these issues will be ironed out, or the Oilers will be in offseason mode in short order.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The first-of-its-kind arrangement marks a tectonic shift for Florida’s largest school district, where charter schools have operated in their own facilities rather than district property.
    Garrett Shanley, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The shop leans into dense, old-school ice cream — the kind that comes out of the freezer firm and packed with flavor.
    Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As The Athletic reported on Rosenior’s departure last week, Chelsea’s players not only lost trust in his methods, but were also divided among themselves over what was going on.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Students and professionals who learn to use advanced tools will accelerate, while those who rely on older methods will fall behind.
    Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Some interpreted McVay’s demeanor on Thursday night as evidence of a splinter in one of the league’s most successful partnerships.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Scott Dochterman Dane Brugler’s analysis Fano has the feet, demeanor and recovery balance of a starting NFL tackle.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In scenes where Yura remembers her childhood and its connection to the beast, the animation takes on a gauzier, more primitive style that matches the film’s more cosmic, oceanic themes.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 1 May 2026
  • For major criminals, the city seemed to offer not only impunity but also sunshine, an easy life style, and safety.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That debate intensified this March, when city officials outlined multiple options for restructuring the city’s approach to homelessness, including maintaining LAHSA with reforms, shifting responsibilities to the county, or bringing more programs in-house.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • This approach makes sense for Leaf but isn’t without certain drawbacks.
    Nicole Rudick, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Even so, nuclear is the closest point of convergence between the two parties — a rare area where attitudes are narrowing rather than widening.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • But the team attitude appears to be in a healthy place.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manner. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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