modus operandi

noun

Definition of modus operandinext
as in method
formal a usual way of doing something the thief's modus operandi

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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 modus operandi The mural has reignited a familiar debate over whether Banksy’s modus operandi should be treated as criminal vandalism or culturally significant public art. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Police said the modus operandi was similar in both robberies — three men walked into a business with guns and demanded property. — Dylan Olsen, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 But the modus operandi of modern-era FIFA is to go bigger and bolder than before. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026 The last three Republican presidents have left the country in the economic and war-ravaged mess that is the standard Republican modus operandi. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for modus operandi
Recent Examples of Synonyms for modus operandi
  1. method
  2. plan
  3. manner
  4. approach
  5. recipe
  6. style
  7. strategy
  8. technique
Noun
  • Another notable dual winner was Frederick Sanger, who won in 1958 for sequencing the amino acids that make up insulin, and again in 1980 for developing a method to sequence strands DNA.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Treatments follow Thai, Chinese, and Indian healing methods, and the cavernous aqua-therapy lounge with sauna and vitality pool is a blissful hangout after a massage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of method
Noun
  • The island has hosted a Ground Self-Defense Force garrison since 2016, while Tokyo has plans to add additional air-defense capabilities in the coming years.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • California’s plan to save coastal homes from El Niño could end up killing beaches.
    — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of plan
Noun
  • This indicates that black hole jets don't influence gas around galaxies in a uniform manner, but at preferred points.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The notice cited the campus’ time, place and manner policy which restricts when, where and how students can hold protests and stated that sanctions up to expulsion may be imposed if the student is found responsible.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of manner
Noun
  • The right option depends on a patient’s needs and preferences, with a healthcare provider helping determine the approach.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
  • These approaches test reason, rather than the output focus of most assignments.
    — Reynald Fasciaux, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of approach
Noun
  • The neighborhood This is one of Bangkok’s oldest districts, where street kitchens still dish up 100-year-old family recipes and crumbling shophouses line the road.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Today’s recipe Love it or hate it, candy corn is the second most popular Halloween candy, after chocolate.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of recipe
Noun
  • The setup smooths the music’s flux without sacrificing the flavor of all the places and styles the album spans.
    — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Antique 18th-century Swiss wooden ceilings were sourced and reassembled to fit the precise dimensions of the primary rooms, and corridors and guest rooms are lined with 19th-century pine mountain–style paneling.
    — Michael James Gardner, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of style
Noun
  • But her strategy will become a national political story on Tuesday night, when Jackson and Collins kick off a series of Senate debates.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Avolta, for one, has used the strategy with brands such as Chanel and Tom Ford.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of strategy
Noun
  • Apply the same technique to other theme answers, relying on the crossing entries for help.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • What is the best tooth brushing technique according to dentists?
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of technique

Browse Nearby Words

modulations
modus operandi
moggies
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Cite this Entry

“Modus operandi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/modus%20operandi. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on modus operandi

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about modus operandi

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