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 Campers were later advised to continue to shelter in their vehicles until further notice as a weather system containing lightning moved into the Coachella Valley region, as tropical storm Rachel hit the coast of Southern California. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 11 Oct. 2026 The new missiles fly faster and use a thermal-tracking system to home in on any heat source, Majed al-Nazili, spokesperson for the Yemen’s armed forces, said. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 Careful observers can pick out sidewalks, underground sewage systems, and ceramic vases left behind. — Rick Steves, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 These behaviors reflected not only algorithmic performance but also the coordination of the robot body, actuator modules and motion-control system. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for system

Recent Examples of Synonyms for system

Noun

Another network had received the notification by late Saturday, according to a person familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive details.

— Miriam Waldvogel, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Tellingly, the network seemed to know the difference in its official response, acknowledging that the original piece contained errors.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of network

Noun

Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
This set off a series of jokes between Meriwether and the cast, along with confirmation that there are no real plans for a reunion at this time.

— Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of plan

Noun

Saujet developed its brand strategy and creative expression in partnership with Studio ALIFFI, founded by former chief brand officer of Neiman Marcus Nabil Aliffi.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
This work evidences both a moral courage and brash authority on Simon’s part and speaks to the deep ethical complexity of her concerns and strategies as an artist.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of strategy

Noun

From the lingo to the swag, he’s made a career out of being the blueprint for trappers to follow.

— Mikey Fresh, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Short lived acquisition Once seen as a blueprint for Chinese startups seeking global reach, Manus has become a cautionary tale for companies squeezed between regulators in Beijing and Washington.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of blueprint

Noun

Firms do not apply or pay to be considered, and inclusion and ranking are based solely on the list's methodology.

— Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
That’s appealing to voters right now, said Ashley Kirzinger, director of survey methodology at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

— Kate Wells, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of methodology

Noun

The subject was not about his arrest, nor the resulting controversy consuming the Wolverine’s football program.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Eco effort There’s a property-wide recycling program, a sustainable irrigation system, and refillable bath and shower amenities.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of system

noun

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