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
  • Establish a new culture, replacing the emotionless, do-your-job style of Bill Belichick with a more modern, player-friendly approach.
    — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • The season 2 ending's flashback indicates season 3 will be taking a similar approach, meaning many of the characters that died already will come back in various capacities.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of approach
Noun
  • In recent years spirit-free drinks have been at the forefront of the beverage industry, at the nexus of innovation, creativity, and ambition, powered by local ingredients and unique distilling techniques.
    — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2025
  • Injection technique: Botox must be injected precisely into the correct muscles using the correct dose.
    — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025
Definition of technique
Noun
  • Amy Cameron – an executive, writer and producer – and Tassie Cameron, a showrunner and executive producer – founded Cameron Pictures and manage it alongside executive producer Alex Patrick, who leads on strategy and business and legal affairs.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 May 2025
  • What happens next? Kennedy has stated that a follow-up report outlining a strategy and potential policy reforms for addressing childhood chronic illness will be released in mid-August 2025.
    — Paul Dawson, The Conversation, 26 May 2025
Definition of strategy
Noun
  • The tally is compiled by the Official Charts Company, using a methodology that blends both sales and streaming activity to reflect what the nation is listening to.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Alessi looked to create doubt surrounding Welcher’s findings, grilling the biomechanical engineer on the methodology behind his experiment surrounding the cause of the injury to O’Keefe’s eye.
    — Julia Bonavita , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of methodology
Noun
  • Sankey said the way the committee seems to weigh strength of schedule shortchanges the conference slate, which doesn’t include any teams among the lower half of the 134 NCAA FBS programs.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • At a time when many young people see college as the only way forward, veterans have already shown a willingness to choose their own path.
    — Adam Stone, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Definition of way
Noun
  • In the middle of a seven-minute piece interpreted in an appropriately serious manner, Urie elicited unexpected giggles from the audience.
    — Daniel Vaillancourt, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • Employees must be adept at evaluating AI outputs, identifying biases and communicating areas for improvement in a clear and actionable manner.
    — Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 27 May 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 7 Jun. 2025.

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