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 Sebastian Stan carried over Donald Trump mannerisms to 'Thunderbolts' Will Donald Trump see 'The Apprentice'? Shania Russell, EW.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Thin with effeminate mannerisms, Mulumba, who is Ugandan American, grew up in a yellow house in Westchester with six siblings; their mother; and their father, Dr. Joseph Kazigo, a surgeon. John J. Lennon, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025 Fans of the film noticed the similarities between the actor and his character’s mannerisms, which surprised the Deadpool actor. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025 These mannerisms trickle down to the organization’s employees. John Hall, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mannerism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerism
Noun
  • The secret trick of reconciliation is that Congress gets a chance to add tweaks to the budget — to reconcile it — twice every federal fiscal year.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025
  • The trick was to keep them distant and yet connected, and find ways to not make the audience wait to see their chemistry, because the John Corbett and Sarah Jessica Parker chemistry is undeniable and a gift.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Rethinking the meaning of de-extinction Bringing back a species like the dire wolf isn’t just a matter of getting the fur right or tweaking a few visible traits.
    Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • The Role of Mindset and Goals Underlying all development and measurement activity is the growth mindset for communication, which is the belief that communication ability is not a trait but one that can be learned and strengthened.
    Su Bridgman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Besides searching for the likes of methane and ammonia, the characteristics of the planet's atmosphere discernible to JWST could point to which formation model – core accretion or disk instability – is the correct one, or even whether a brand new formation model is needed.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2025
  • Key characteristics of individuals with big egos in the workplace include: Domineering behavior.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • He is used to mowing his lawn shirtless and in shorts – especially on hotter days – but recently, what seemed like a harmless habit sparked unexpected drama with his neighbors across the street.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Over the years, several analysts of Palestinian politics have attempted to game out what would happen should Abbas die in office — a not-unlikely scenario given his age and extensive smoking habit.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Every application has its own quirks—some are easy to migrate, others require extra integrations and some legacy systems may not be compatible at all.
    Akram Atallah, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Across the border in Texas, and in other parts of the Southwest, flour tortillas bear a range of regional quirks.
    Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Partners with the expertise to guide their enterprise customers through the idiosyncrasies and nuances of different marketplaces will be in demand in the coming years, as enterprises seek input and guidance.
    David Grant, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • In an expansive interview alongside playwright and filmmaker David Mamet, LaBeouf spoke about how his and Coppola's disparate idiosyncrasies often led to frustrations on set of the sprawling sci-fi drama, which had been a decades-long passion project for Coppola but ended up as a high-profile flop.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Was this down to the peculiarities of the circuit or has Red Bull more or less caught up?
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Antoine’s peculiarities perhaps cut deepest, even seemingly superficial ones.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That fateful connection would snowball into a lifelong friendship and artistic partnership that thrives on curiosity, trust and unabashed eccentricity.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Through the divination trial, the audience learns that much of Lilia’s eccentricity comes from her experience living life out of order, giving more context to moments earlier in the season, where the character would blurt out what seemed to be random statements.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mannerism. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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