air 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
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

2 of 2

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
After a sit-down meant to clear the air went left, Chantel stormed off to Jackie’s hotel room, only to double back with a barrage of insults. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 23 July 2025 The air stood up and rushed around, the white clouds sped, the scrap of newspaper rose into the sky and disappeared in a flash of sun. Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
Verb
On the heels of a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, Canada’s CBC network, which commissioned the project, will air the indie doc on Sept. 17 as part of its The Passionate Eye series. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025 New episodes of The Voice will air on NBC in spring 2026. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for air
Noun
  • The goal is to continue to build his aura and mystique outside of the weekly WWE television grind.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • People who get migraines with aura—dots or zigzags in vision, or another sensory disturbance that typically occurs before the onset of a migraine—have long been told to avoid birth control that contains estrogen.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Hess and Rhoads say the transition from talking about beer to running a brewery has been a breeze.
    Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 25 July 2025
  • Wake up to river views and salty breezes at the Yorktown Beach Hotel.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Jeannie C. Riley, Connie Smith and the duo of Charlie Louvin and Melba Montgomery were among the acts who cut her songs.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Since the act became law on Jan. 5, 2025, the agency has received more than 278,000 new claims from people with pensions from work not covered by Social Security and has processed 92% of these, the SSA said.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Although only two original members are still performing with the band, musical pioneers Earth, Wind, and Fire still dazzle audiences after more than 50 years of soulful melodies.
    PJ Green July 19, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025
  • Her voice—like honey, smooth and healing—wrapped itself around melodies with intention.
    Essence, Essence, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • In Wednesday’s discussion, though, Musk voiced optimistic projections for rapid increases in robotaxi service.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • During their victim impact statements, the parents of victim Kaylee Goncalves voiced their anger at the 30-year-old Kohberger.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The drink embodies the elated atmosphere of watching the band play live, says Panis.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts there is already too much carbon in the atmosphere to remain under the 1.5°C temperature target, necessitating carbon removal.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • When your stress rises, stop and take three long, conscious breaths.
    Wilson Luna, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • The showrunner recalls holding his breath a lot during those weeks of filming.
    EW.com, EW.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • In the case of Brazil, which now faces a potential 50% levy, the president has abandoned the pretense of using his tariff policy to shore up trade deficits.
    Garrett Haake, NBC news, 10 July 2025
  • Over the past several years, numerous individuals have been arrested after allegedly attempting to enter the property under suspicious or false pretenses, in some cases carrying electronic equipment or claiming to have messages for the president.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/air. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on air

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!