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 The other system in the Atlantic, a tropical wave making its way west, is more likely to claim the next storm name of the hurricane season. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 An observation system near the airport reported fog and visibility of about 10 miles shortly before the crash. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The measure would have created a uniform statewide system to regulate heating, ventilation, air, water and electrical systems in detention centers. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Lemon will have to sell run blocks in an offensive system that requires some of its run and pass plays to look identical. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for system

Recent Examples of Synonyms for system

Noun

Charles Bradshaw, community plans and liaison officer at Naval Base Coronado, said the bridge preserves vital defense access as part of the strategic highway network.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
Cape Newenham is part of a network of remote radar sites that monitors aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and along its borders.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of network

Noun

Adults is almost always at its best when there’s a method to the madness, a kernel of earnestness at the heart of it all.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
The alternative method was to relay the three-minute call through the helicopter facility at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, but that didn’t work either.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of method

Noun

That's a step in the right direction as far as we're concerned, because Jim Cramer has been after Nvidia to institute an Apple-style stock repurchase strategy.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Ahead of her Edinburgh appearance, Lyvers talked to THR about her team’s original content strategy, why ambition and characters are key, Sky’s film slate and how important, or not, franchises and star power are.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of strategy

Noun

Ultimately, Bessent’s approach is likely to fail, said Peter Boockvar, chief investment officer of One Point BFG Wealth Partners and editor of The Boock Report newsletter.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
Finally, regarding Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, his tone has skewed dovish in recent months, favoring a wait-and-see approach to the impact of the Middle East conflict.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of approach

Noun

At its core, Vermejo is a conservation laboratory developing the blueprint for rewilding in North America—the tourism element simply helps to fund it.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
The 13-track project, which later came with accompanying music videos, became the blueprint for Beyoncé's superstar status after her successful debut studio album became the launchpad.

— Caché McClay, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of blueprint

Noun

His older brother, Ethan, is a freshman guard at Wabash Valley, a high-profile junior college basketball program.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Her replacement, Christophe Leribault, critics say, is a somewhat safer pick who will likely shift the museum away from the robust contemporary art program under Des Cars, and toward a more French and Western-centric vision.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of program

Browse Nearby Words

syrupy

system

systematic

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Cite this Entry

Style

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/system. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of system

noun

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