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Definition of airnext
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as in melody
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect played a lively air on his fiddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

air

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun air contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of air are affectation, airs, mannerism, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

In what contexts can affectation take the place of air?

The words affectation and air can be used in similar contexts, but affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

When would airs be a good substitute for air?

While in some cases nearly identical to air, airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

When is mannerism a more appropriate choice than air?

While the synonyms mannerism and air are close in meaning, mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When could pose be used to replace air?

In some situations, the words pose and air are roughly equivalent. However, 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 air
Noun
And because an air of glamour permeates throughout the ancient city, a stay in your own private riad feels in order. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026 And while part of her sentiment was bleeped out by the network, the swear word remained on air. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
The 98th Oscars will be held on March 15 and will air on ABC, hosted by Conan O’Brien. Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026 Set in deep space in the far future, the show first aired in January 1978 and was shown on BBC One. Scott Snowden, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for air
Noun
  • Unlike Joe Philbin, Adam Gase, Brian Flores and Mike McDaniel, Hafley had an aura to him, a confident vibe.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Of greater concern is how the ugliness at the story’s center seeps into the series’ overall execution and aura.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Cluttered Counters Make meal prep and clean up a breeze by keeping your counters streamlined, not filled to the max with appliances and canisters and the like.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026
  • However, there won't be as much of a breeze.
    Steven Sosna, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The suspect currently faces seven complaints for malicious destruction of property and one count of a threatening act of violence.
    Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Raenah Birdlong, 33, who did not fire any shots, was charged under the provocative act doctrine, meaning her actions led to the death and wounding of the two men, authorities said.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His music is intricate yet accessible, combining lush melodies with driving rhythms that invite audiences to lose themselves while feeling something profound.
    Mandeep Rai, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • At the same time, James’ melodies had never been so simple, so childlike, or so easy to grasp.
    Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The organizations have voiced reservations about water quality and whether the reservoir will deliver enough water south.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In emails to the city of Eagle obtained by the Idaho Statesman through public-records request, residents also voiced mixed feelings.
    Rose Evans January 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The atmosphere was festive, with live music playing and an array of delicious hors-d’oeuvres catered by Canard Catering and Black River Caviar.
    Bettina Zilkha, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Freezing rain usually starts out as snow high in the atmosphere, passes through a thick layer of warmer air and melts, before passing through a final, short layer of cold air and freezing as ice on roads and objects.
    Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Straining the body while lifting heavy loads, during which most people unknowingly hold their breath, increases heart rate and blood pressure.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The ensuing fight was devastating, but Mark barely had time to catch his breath before the elite Viltrumite envoy, Conquest (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), arrived.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Federal officials have declared ICE’s killings lawful and justified over social media without any pretense of a formal review, making statements that are cruel, derogatory, misleading, or simply false.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Investigators say Wilson approached her under the pretense of needing directions.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/air. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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