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 Though the performer, being of Puerto Rican and Guatemalan descent, hired a speech coach, an acting coach, and a movement coach, all to nail down the Cuban accent and mannerisms, the thing that served Arjona’s performance most was being around her costars. —

Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 30 Dec. 2024 Looking like him was important; capturing his mannerisms and his physicality. —

Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024 Indy's mannerisms and the game camera's reaction to them are spot-on, helped greatly by Troy Baker's convincing performance. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 Akasaka says with a lighthearted smile in his polite mannerism. —

Angela Lei, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mannerism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerism

Noun

Magness recommended a trick backed by psychology: Use second- and third-person pronouns when talking to yourself, instead of first-person pronouns.

— Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025
When working with one or a few rats, snacks like nuts, seeds, and fruit often do the trick.

— Laura Bradley, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025