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pose

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verb (2)

pose

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pose contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pose are affectation, airs, air, and mannerism. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

her shyness was just a pose

When might affectation be a better fit than pose?

Although the words affectation and pose have much in common, affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

When could air be used to replace pose?

The words air and pose can be used in similar contexts, but air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

In what contexts can airs take the place of pose?

In some situations, the words airs and pose are roughly equivalent. However, airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

Where would mannerism be a reasonable alternative to pose?

While in some cases nearly identical to pose, mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

Examples of pose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Caroline de Lima Jessica Hadley (United States) Two Yellowstone visitors pose for a selfie with a bison in-front of Old Faithful Geyser, ignoring park rules to maintain a 25 yard distance from wildlife, putting themselves in harms way. Photovogue, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024 Chalamet posed for photos with several of his doppelgängers present at the event — many of whom were dressed as the actor’s most famous characters, including Willy Wonka and Dune‘s Paul Atreides. Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Oct. 2024 The atypical wind direction can pose a specific risk for boats and maritime infrastructure, as harbors that are usually well protected on the leeward side of the Channel Islands are suddenly exposed to forceful gusts and waves. Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 The new legal filing, from state attorneys general in Idaho, Kansas and Missouri, poses a direct threat to mail-order delivery of the drug. Lisa Jarvis, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pose 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near pose

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

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