Synonym Chooser

How is the word system different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of system are fashion, manner, method, mode, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

When might fashion be a better fit than system?

While in some cases nearly identical to system, 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 system?

Manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

When would method be a good substitute for system?

The words method and system can be used in similar contexts, but method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

When is it sensible to use mode instead of system?

The meanings of mode and system largely overlap; however, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

When can way be used instead of system?

The words way and system are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

Examples 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 system Ghee is a staple food in India and is one of the most important ingredients in the traditional Indian medicine system Ayurveda. Jillian Kubala, Health, 15 Jan. 2025 In the old system, everyone was offering pretty much the same thing to all players: a full-ride college education. Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 That court outcome, of real accountability in the criminal justice system, would have been more likely if those in charge of our federal law enforcement had moved with all due haste to hold this historically malfeasant chief executive responsible. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025 This news organization’s investigative reporting on the tragedy publicly revealed the fissures in the county’s children protection system that Williams, Little and Wright already knew about. Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for system 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for system
Noun
  • Decades later, buses, delivery trucks and drivers heading to and from work still rely heavily on the county’s network of four- and five-lane traffic arteries.
    Ryan Lillis, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
  • For perspective, the company has been seeing more demand in the last year from areas such as optical networks, IP networks, and submarine networks.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • That was an initial fear among some when the plan was first mooted, as a good run in Europe — and especially reaching the group stages — can be worth millions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Now is an excellent moment to be brave and explore new projects, people and plans.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Cravalho’s proclivity for florals over the course of the last few months may be a nod to the method dressing trend embraced by several stars promoting new projects.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Shredders undoubtedly provide the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible method to supply large volumes of obsolete metal as a raw material for the manufacture of new products.
    Steve Joseph, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, research shows that rubbing your fingers together while washing your hands is an effective strategy for reducing the number of norovirus particles lingering there.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The government is set to announce a new tech strategy in early February.
    Paolo Confino, Fortune Asia, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Two current Bears have experience playing under Vrabel in Tennessee and lauded his approach.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetus in southern Greece, Euphoria Retreat is a 45-room destination spa with its own one-off approach—a heady holistic mix of healing treatments based on both ancient Greek and Chinese spa philosophies.
    Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Maintaining authentic human connections can be a blueprint for success.
    William Mullane, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The blueprint for success against these reeling Knicks is clear.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The common factor in most such attacks is the phishing aspect, so that’s where the mitigation methodology must sit: this fascinating article explores methods of mitigating phishing attacks.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
    Allure, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The program's targets included women's rights organizations, organizations protesting the Vietnam War, labor unions, civil rights organizations, and individuals with leadership positions in any of these movements.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
  • There are no high school MMA teams, no college programs that provide coaching and medical care and state-of-the-art facilities.
    Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 14 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near system

Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/system. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on system

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