MANNERISM Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mannerism

noun

ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm

Definition of mannerism next

as in trick

an odd or peculiar habit quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 But Pesci quickly put him at ease: The Hollywood veteran consulted a neurologist before shooting, in order to better capture the specific mannerisms of a dementia patient. —

Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 Common features in children who claim to have led a previous life include a verbal precocity and mannerisms at odds with that of the rest of the family. —

Saskia Solomon, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025 Brody was 7 years old when his grandfather died, but the memories of his speech and mannerisms left their mark. —

E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024 Complete with a blonde wig, a suit, and Trump’s signature mannerisms, Ripa’s impersonation is one for the books. —

Kate Hogan, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mannerism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerism

Noun

Each month Kendra hosts a real-life get-together in her apartment, then passes her expert game plan along to you: the menu, the grocery and prep lists, and all her tips and tricks.

— Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 11 Feb. 2025
If not, now's the time to add it to your arsenal of emergency hair tricks.

— Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 11 Feb. 2025