mannerism

noun

ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce mannerism (audio)
Definition of mannerismnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Did his doppelgänger have the same mannerisms, the same humor, maybe even the same interests? —David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 What appears to be tripping people up is that Culkin’s voice and mannerisms remain unchanged from role to role. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 15 Feb. 2025 Most people get to see their own features and mannerisms reflected in the parents who raised them. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Now imagine that the host has been recreated using artificial intelligence, their voice and mannerisms perfectly replicated by computers. —Bernard Marr, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mannerism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerism
  1. trick
  2. trait
  3. characteristic
  4. habit
  5. quirk
  6. idiosyncrasy
  7. peculiarity
  8. eccentricity
Noun
  • Luckily, there’s one easy trick that the most trustworthy, relatable and likable people use.
    — Ellen Hendriksen, Contributor, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Attendees will learn tricks of baiting and setting humane traps, which are on loan with a fully refundable deposit if they are returned in good condition, as well as how to transport cats safely.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of trick
Noun
  • These early problem-solving experiences can help develop resilience and adaptability, traits essential for success in STEAM fields and beyond.
    — Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In her post, Meli questioned why ambition, despite its downsides, was seen as a moral good and an important trait to have.
    — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of trait
Noun
  • These high-rye bourbons represent some of the best in the world, showcasing the bold and spicy characteristics that come with a higher rye content in the mash bill.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The grapes used to make this wine are grown on a high altitude ridge, which causes the grapes to incorporate the mineral characteristics of the area, producing a bold and expressive wine with black fruit aromas and a mineral finish.
    — Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • This could be because viral outrage on social media might come from individuals who weren't customers to begin with or because digital participation in the boycott can sometimes reduce the motivation to take more meaningful action like changing purchasing habits.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Sandler has struck up a habit of shouting out Chalamet's name in recent weeks, first during Nikki Glaser's monologue at the Golden Globes and again when Chalamet pulled double duty on Saturday Night Live.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of habit
Noun
  • Inheriting an existing team with its unique culture, history and quirks.
    — Tinna Jackson, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • David Lynch is probably the easiest to imitate director, with the most distinctive voice and identifiable quirks, outside of maybe Orson Welles.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of quirk
Noun
  • Leading up to the start of a game is when those idiosyncrasies tend to surface most often.
    — Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Read the full Pisces Daily Horoscope Aries (March 21 - April 19) Embracing your idiosyncrasies?
    — USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2025
Definition of idiosyncrasy
Noun
  • In a move that perfectly encapsulates the peculiarities of our times, Donald Trump launched a meme coin on January 17th, 2025, just a few days before his presidential inauguration.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Underlying that peculiarity was the extensive use of the simple, robust, and reliable Geneva drive, originally developed centuries ago for clocks, but now adapted for linear and rotary motions that had to be smooth and precisely locked in at the end points.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 27 Nov. 2024
Definition of peculiarity
Noun
  • Brain Dead Studios What’s spring without a little eccentricity and who’s more eccentric a filmmaker than Wes Anderson?
    — Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Certainly, trying to recreate the smart-alecky charisma of Michael J. Fox and the genius eccentricity of Christopher Lloyd is a thankless task.
    — Karen D'Souza, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of eccentricity

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Cite this Entry

“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mannerism. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of mannerism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mannerism

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