1
as in romances
also affaires
a brief romantic relationship
an affair between two singles spending the summer at the same beach resort
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in events
a social gathering
the annual country club dance is a really fancy affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in productions
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 things
something that happens
the whole affair from start to finish took a total of 15 minutes
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in matters
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 affairs
Today, weddings are often sprawling, multiday affairs that power an industry valued around $130 billion, according to a report by United States investment bank Jefferies.
—
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 May 2026
With regards to international affairs, there are multiple more pressing issues, including wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Human resources later determined that the matter should be handled by the Police Department’s internal affairs unit, and Steward was assigned to investigate, according to the lawsuit.
—Ben Wheeler
may 20, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
But an internal affairs probe continued at the Miami Beach Police Department.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
Brunson’s company, Fifth Chance Productions, has partnered with Mark Fleischer, grandson of Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer, and Fleischer Studios on the project, which is currently in development and overseen by Fifth Chance’s head of creative affairs, Erin Wehrenberg.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 May 2026
Due to global environmental issues such as climate change, new communication initiatives to promote environmental policies and affairs have emerged.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026
Saum Poorsaleh, complaints triggered the internal affairs investigation.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Patrick Murphy, an urban affairs professor at the University of San Francisco who focuses on tax policy, doubts the legislation would have a significant effect on homelessness.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 May 2026
With regards to international affairs, there are multiple more pressing issues, including wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Human resources later determined that the matter should be handled by the Police Department’s internal affairs unit, and Steward was assigned to investigate, according to the lawsuit.
—Ben Wheeler
may 20, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
But an internal affairs probe continued at the Miami Beach Police Department.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
Brunson’s company, Fifth Chance Productions, has partnered with Mark Fleischer, grandson of Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer, and Fleischer Studios on the project, which is currently in development and overseen by Fifth Chance’s head of creative affairs, Erin Wehrenberg.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 May 2026
Due to global environmental issues such as climate change, new communication initiatives to promote environmental policies and affairs have emerged.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026
Saum Poorsaleh, complaints triggered the internal affairs investigation.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Patrick Murphy, an urban affairs professor at the University of San Francisco who focuses on tax policy, doubts the legislation would have a significant effect on homelessness.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affairs
Noun
-
Some of my favorite things about these characters is the friendships that form separate from the romances, and that also felt ripe for TV adaptation.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
-
People often assume that romances are the work of pure fantasy.—
Eloisa James,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
About 1,000 children with intellectual disabilities from 26 states and Canada who ranged in age from 8 to 18 gathered at Soldier Field in Chicago to compete in 200 events.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
-
Three species of bats inhabit the site, and supernatural events—including the appearance of the gamekeeper’s ghost and the wail of a banshee—have been reported.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
There were several matches that featured fireworks, TV quality productions, multiple champions and even a steel cage match to cap the night.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
Screen Brasil reaffirms Embratur’s role in promoting the country internationally and expanding the international reach of Brazilian productions.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
-
Or, in this case, cutting things up with scissors and tossing them around.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Washington required time to finish up a few personal matters.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
This matters because fermentation reduces bitterness and makes plant compounds, especially polyphenols, more available.—
Dr. Steven Gundry,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
The rich textures and thick ambiance of The Eyes of Others are pure high modernist 1960s Italian cinema, but De Sica unfurls the film’s winding intrigues with a contemporary sense of suspense, carnality, and visual boldness.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Plus the balcony is useful for intrigues and gossiping about the people below, as seen at Lady Danbury’s ball in season one of Bridgerton.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There’s a friendly reception area with a giant chalkboard informing guests of local events, ranging from in-house parties to full moon nights at the Acropolis and big name gigs by the touring artists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
The surrogacy process has safeguards in place to ensure the safety of all parties involved.—
Ann Marie Luft,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Shop more Virtue products, including my go-to hair mask below.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
23 May 2026
-
Merit Products Used by Katie Holmes Katie Holmes led us through her glowy and natural makeup routine using only Merit products.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Affairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affairs. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
