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
The most recent eruption occurred in June, spewing thick clouds of gas and molten rock as high as 4 miles into the air at some points. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025 When the temperature rises even slightly—like when freezer doors are opened frequently—moisture in the air can condense on the carton. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
Manak’s Sunday show will air along with one from LeRoy Downs. Michael Schneider, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025 In the season 2 finale, which aired on July 22, Saniei and Lally ultimately decided to put their differences aside to have a healthy co-parenting relationship for Isabella. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for air
Noun
  • Jordan Brand introduced the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 build in 2020, aiming to improve upon the sneaker’s modern reissues, which had lost some of their original aura over the decades.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • An eerie aura settles over Denton, Texas, in October, turning its town square into a destination that attracts Halloween lovers from around the world.
    Kristen Tribe, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Everything is cooked fresh, served fast, and tastes even better with the salty breeze coming off Bogue Sound.
    Abby Price, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Highs for Tuesday are in the low 50s with a good breeze and a chance for rain in the afternoon.
    Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This act would make daylight saving time permanent and end the bi-annual tradition of changing the clocks.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The film’s tonal balancing act — mixing absurdist humor with Anderson’s trademark intensity — seemed obviously comedic to casual awards observers, and the filmmakers, along with studio awards strategists, felt similarly.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The pair seamlessly weaved between their catalogs, switching off on the melody and harmonies, delivering a true rock & roll party that got better with each song.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Because every lyric and every melody was very intentional from all our collaborators.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Many journalists, authors, and investigators have voiced doubts about these convictions, believing that the real Monster of Florence was never caught.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Krneta voiced his displeasure with the slot with local media, adding that he was also disappointed with the scheduling the team had to endure during the season.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Only Dragon is reusable; the others (including HTV-X) are designed to burn up in Earth's atmosphere when their missions are over.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As Rissa emerged from the chapel and began to walk down the aisle during the ceremony, a harpist and choir sang softly in the background, adding to the already emotional atmosphere.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In times of increasing cynicism and apathy in the zeitgeist, this phantasm extravaganza — at once humorously deadpan in its playful tableaus and poignantly sincere at its emotional core — feels like a breath of fresh air.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The man draws a sharp, startled breath.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Workers in the scam compounds are often trafficked from third countries, usually under the pretense of a lucrative job offer, and then forced to scam people online with investment pitches or romantic ploys.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
  • All of Beaton’s extravagance, artifice and pretence stemmed from him trying to become something he was never born into.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/air. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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