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 Now, the state is making the firing squad its lead method of execution. —Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 21 July 2025 From there, make a deposit to your account with a secure payment method, like a credit card. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025 For this method, this means Bar Keepers Friend and a sponge. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 20 July 2025 Last month, streaming overtook broadcast and cable as the leading distribution method for video entertainment for the first time. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 July 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
  • Cora certainly understands this process as the deadline approaches and what Boston is capable of if chief baseball officer Craig Breslow can add reinforcements.
    — Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • The best measurement isn't necessarily the most complex, but rather the approach that most faithfully represents the marketing dynamics marketers already know to be true.
    — Cody Greco, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of approach
Noun
  • Both ice creams start with the same classic technique: gently heating milk and cream, tempering in the egg yolks, and cooking until the custard thickens.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
  • And once the technique was shown to work in laboratory studies and field trials in Australia and Indonesia, the World Mosquito Program was ready to attempt it at a grander scale.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 26 July 2025
Definition of technique
Noun
  • Neither the city's Office of Public Health and Safety nor the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department agreed to requests for interviews about the situation on Leonard Street and the city's evolving strategy for managing homeless camps.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • From advanced smart textiles to resilient sourcing strategies, the region’s manufacturers are pushing forward—despite an increasingly volatile landscape.
    — Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
Definition of strategy
Noun
  • The chart, which Billboard introduced in 2020, ranks the most popular individual tracks around the world, using a methodology that combines sales and streaming activity.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Canva Sans Variable Canva Sans Variable By this methodology, Florida stood out as the state best prepared for a recession in the near future.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Definition of methodology
Noun
  • The task force would submit a report with recommendations to the state Legislature after examining the systemic causes of violence against African American women and girls, ways to help victims' families heal, methods to track data to understand the scope of the issue and more.
    — Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • Or the ways that the Reyes family has lived in fear since Jose and his father were detained in early May.
    — Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Definition of way
Noun
  • Southerners are notorious for being bad at saying goodbye, thanks to our dedication to manners.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
  • Tether, the other juggernaut of the crypto-native stablecoin world, has been diversifying investments and operations in a significant manner.
    — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 25 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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