mannerism

noun

ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce mannerism (audio)
Definition of mannerismnext
as in trick
an odd or peculiar habit quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Finding the character’s mannerisms was another central study. —Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025 While the veteran running back’s voice barely elevated above a public library level and his mannerisms remained reserved, the sincerity of his enthusiasm still landed. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 The result is an exciting mosaic not just of views and opinions, but also of mannerisms and personalities. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025 Soto has said in the past that the mannerisms help synchronize his timing and fuel his confidence. —Will Sammon, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mannerism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerism
  1. trick
  2. trait
  3. characteristic
  4. habit
  5. quirk
  6. idiosyncrasy
  7. peculiarity
  8. eccentricity
Noun
  • The universe is playing tricks on you this week, Scorpio, especially in relation to career matters, your public persona or situations involving authority.
    — Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • Kawasaki has stayed true to its past with stand-up models such as the SX-R 160, and upcoming SX-X 160, which allow riders to do tricks or carve tight turns on these small, powerful craft.
    — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
Definition of trick
Noun
  • For almost 10,000 years, people in the Arctic have kept dogs for hunting and sledding, breeding them for desirable traits.
    — Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people, including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
    — Khloe Quill , Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of trait
Noun
  • Sometimes an offense takes on the characteristics of its most distinguishable member - only the Brewers have a lower team average exit speed than the Padres, and only a handful of clubs hit more line drives, as the club mimics the tendencies of Luis Arraez.
    — Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Felix Brill, chief investment officer at VP Bank, agrees that the SGD has many characteristics of a modern safe haven, including macroeconomic stability, strong institutions, a large current account surplus, and low political risk.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 July 2025
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • The United States has tried repeatedly to wean itself off immigrant employment, but cheap labor is a tough habit to kick.
    — Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • This formula/habit/trend does not typically occur across the pond, so shortening 'Edgware Road' to 'Edgware,' does pose an issue.
    — Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Definition of habit
Noun
  • This refreshingly smooth and complex lager is enhanced with a crisp, coastal quirk.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
  • The evolutionary quirks unveiled by the new research offer insight into how a subset of ichthyosaurs lived and hunted– and could lead to a better understanding of existing fossils in the record.
    — Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 16 July 2025
Definition of quirk
Noun
  • Whereas Zev might use Jess’s attachment to her phone as an opportunity to tear her down, Felix gives her enough grace to see her idiosyncrasies as no better or worse than anyone else’s.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
  • Episodes are short, just over five minutes at most, and focus on the idiosyncrasies — whether that’s a person, place or phenomenon — that make Naperville, Naperville.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Definition of idiosyncrasy
Noun
  • There are some historical peculiarities that even patient scholarship cannot fully explain.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
  • The artist continues to interrogate the interplay between image and text in culture today –– illustrating the persistent dominance of advertising, as well as the peculiarities of newer phenomena, such as memes.
    — Megan Williams, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
Definition of peculiarity
Noun
  • All of these things are seemingly accepted, but Jess’s eccentricity — her metallic blue dress and her earnestness — are, as the title would have it, too much.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
  • Where Will Ace Bailey Land? Pre-draft eccentricities aside, Bailey is one of the most athletically gifted players in the draft, as his numbers show.
    — Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Definition of eccentricity

Browse Nearby Words

mannered
mannerism
mannerisms
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Cite this Entry

“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mannerism. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mannerism

Nglish: Translation of mannerism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mannerism

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