1
as in romance
also affaire
a brief romantic relationship
an affair between two singles spending the summer at the same beach resort
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in event
a social gathering
the annual country club dance is a really fancy affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in production
something produced by physical or intellectual effort
the lead float in the parade was a pretty impressive affair, a giant eagle's head with equally huge wings
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in incident
something that happens
the whole affair from start to finish took a total of 15 minutes
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in matter
something to be dealt with
it's none of your affair whom I'm going out with tonight
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of affair
Globe-spanning benefit concerts and blockbuster charity singles boomed in the ’80s, and heartland-rock artists were fixtures at these affairs.
—
Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
The actor was being honored with an award for his contributions to film—but Amal’s red carpet look for the affair was worthy of its very own accolade.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
For Bush, the last president to host such an affair, the formality was a put-off.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
From casual daytime wear to the most formal evening affairs, pearls effortlessly transition.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affair
Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
The actor was being honored with an award for his contributions to film—but Amal’s red carpet look for the affair was worthy of its very own accolade.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
For Bush, the last president to host such an affair, the formality was a put-off.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
From casual daytime wear to the most formal evening affairs, pearls effortlessly transition.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affair
Noun
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Meanwhile, today Uranus enters a part of your chart to stay for six years, encouraging impulsive vacations, surprising romance and unexpected children.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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Nataliia was watching a romance film on television.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Trump has argued that last weekend’s shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner demonstrates why the ballroom is needed to hold safe, secure events for the president and other officials.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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Our Consider This event takes place on Thursday, May 7 on the Universal lot, with a reception to follow at the Peacock Grill.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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More than anything, Bernard’s significant production at the college level should better position him to make an impact with a QB like Rodgers, who expects precision and professionalism.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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The contract modification ensures that the production of the jet engines will remain at the company’s Connecticut locations, according to Larson.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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An irrelevant incident in isolation.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Saturday’s shooting was akin to another deadly incident involving CPD in November 2018 at a hospital in Bronzeville.—
Talia Soglin,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As her anxiety rises, sticking to the essentials has become a matter of financial survival, Rosado said.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Given the importance of preserving relations with the FCC, which has a say over a range of local station matters and must approve any mergers involving the transfer of broadcast licenses, LeGeyt has deliberately avoided a direct clash with his Washington counterpart.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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For anyone who thought polka dots were just a passing summer fling—think again.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
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This season, our beauty routines are having a spring fling with drugstore beauty products.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The plan, conveyed through mediators in Pakistan to break a stalemate with Washington, calls for extending the ceasefire so the parties can work toward a permanent end to the fighting, Axios said.—
Jon Herskovitz,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026
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Minaj will attend as a guest of Fox News, which is also throwing its own VIP party before Saturday's official dinner, Fox confirmed to USA TODAY.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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On homelessness, McCann took ownership of the city’s current strategy, citing the creation of the Homeless Outreach Team, the opening of a transitional shelter called the Chula Vista Village at Otay and the encampment ban as products of his leadership.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Las Vegas has depth at the edge, making the Auburn product an interesting pick considering needs like offensive line, defensive tackle and wide receiver are still unfilled.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Affair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affair. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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