Thesaurus results for SYSTEM

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

system

noun

ˈsi-stəm

Definition of system

as in network

something made up of many interdependent or related parts the national highway system allows travel from one end of the country to the other the democratic system of checks and balances in government

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in plan

a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective if you're going to wrap all these presents in one afternoon, you'll need a system

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in method

the means or procedure for doing something not the best system perhaps, but it gets the job done

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 system Final details on dates and the points system are still being ironed out. — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for system

Recent Examples of Synonyms for system

Noun

But Golden State also has established a bar network in the region — 35 spots and counting — creating hubs for fans to gather to watch games.

— Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
The letter was addressed to her father and the sender introduced himself as Nigel Browning, the proprietor of a network of short- and long-term accommodations for the impoverished of Liverpool, the same city the Empress had set out to explore.

— Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of network

Noun

It’s been a weird few weeks for Mysaria, with Daemon’s influence rising and falling, and her plan to leverage Helaena’s pregnancy falling apart within moments.

— Brian Grubb, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
The price of benefit plans for Medicaid and Medicare have also gone up substantially.

— Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of plan

Noun

Another method of maintaining cybersecurity is a bit more rigid.

— Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Most real-world cybercrime still relies on easier and cheaper methods, such as exploiting software vulnerabilities, stealing credentials, phishing, malware and ransomware.

— Chetan Jaiswal, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

Definition of method

Noun

Kansas Athletics is on the verge of hiring an executive director for front-office strategy and operations, KU athletic director Travis Goff told The Star on Wednesday afternoon.

— Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
The first stage focuses on meeting school community members, the second involves building an academics strategy, the third revolves around operations and finance and the final stage brings those steps together.

— Austin Horn July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Definition of strategy

Noun

Asked about Apple’s AI offerings, including the upcoming Siri AI, Cook said the company saw an opportunity in running more AI directly on users’ devices, an approach that Apple believes can appeal to privacy-minded users.

— Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Several years in the making, the formula went through multiple rounds of development before landing on an approach that feels refreshingly straightforward.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026

Definition of approach

Noun

Platforms, agencies, measurement providers and creator marketing companies must work together to develop standards that serve marketers rather than protect proprietary methodologies.

— Zoe Soon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
The secretaries demanded detailed descriptions of the methodology DHS used as well as transparency about what state voter lists DHS analyzed.

— Miles Parks, NPR, 31 July 2026

Definition of methodology

Noun

The Sacramento Police Department is plans to purchase 52 new drones next year, eight of which will be part of a pilot program experimenting with using the technology to respond to 911 calls.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
And that is precisely where most management development programs have historically underinvested.

— Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of program

Browse Nearby Words

syrupy

system

systematic

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Style

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/system. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of system

noun

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