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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 affair
In 1979, Birkin began an affair with the filmmaker Jacques Doillon, who was thirty-five to her thirty-two—an invigorating change from Gainsbourg, eighteen years her senior.
—
Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Unfolding on a warm LA afternoon, this year’s red carpet was a sweltering affair.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
The lopsided affair dropped Inter Miami into seventh place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points (13-7-6), though the Herons still have three games in hand.
—Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
That was four months after Herchen’s first wife died, though the two were already engaged in an extramarital affair, according to court records.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affair
Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Unfolding on a warm LA afternoon, this year’s red carpet was a sweltering affair.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
The lopsided affair dropped Inter Miami into seventh place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points (13-7-6), though the Herons still have three games in hand.
—Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
That was four months after Herchen’s first wife died, though the two were already engaged in an extramarital affair, according to court records.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affair
Noun
-
What’s fall reading without a little hockey romance?—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The movie, which premiered at TIFF, stars Dinklage as store manager Mitch and Kirsten Dunst as Leigh, a Toys ‘R’ Us employee who develops a romance with the fugitive.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
On Wednesday afternoon, Turning Point USA founder and right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.—
Rebecca Jennings,
Vulture,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The latest commitment will allow Startup Junkie to continue the program for three years and expand the team's capacity to serve clients and prospective borrowers with more resources, hands-on support and events.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Amplifying the glaring lack of run production was Early’s second gem in as many career games in the majors.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
-
By most estimates, Li said, China controls more than half of global EV manufacturing, 70 percent of wind turbine production and 80 percent of PV solar panel production.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Sanders’ motion details several incidents in which Rackauckas and investigators maneuvered to keep the defense from receiving evidence that could have impeached Neary’s testimony.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Many lawmakers, conservative and liberal alike, mourned him and the incident of political violence.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
These matters concerning candidate quality are nothing new.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The executives were able to meet with Pope Leo in a private audience that included others, according to a person familiar with the matter.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
LilyCoco Striped Long Sleeve Shirt Changing up the neckline of your basic long-sleeve shirts is the easiest way to add some visual intrigue to your travel wardrobe, and this striped boatneck top is the perfect example.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Into political intrigue and hot policy nerds?—
Jamie Harrow,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
American Clean Power's Grumet said that energy policy has become a core aspect of each party's political base, leading each party to campaign and then govern based on energy ideology rather than pragmatism which, in turn, creates instability.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
As a result, both parties will continue a power-sharing agreement that Hortman brokered after the 2024 elections in which Democrats lost their majority, the Associated Press reported.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Both the governor and the secretary listed a combination of lower market prices for farm products plus rising fertilizer, machinery and labor costs as a severe squeeze on the farm economy.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Affair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affair. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share