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
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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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of affairs
The Georgia firebrand, who has been insistent that the United States stay out of affairs abroad, has attempted similar amendments to both the NDAA and appropriations bills in past years and recently, with no success.
—
Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Industry events are often staid affairs, full of long-winded speeches and by-the-numbers performances.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Would Rupert and Lachlan sell off the empire while the regulatory state of affairs was in their favor, and before Rupert’s passing (or the year 2030, whichever came first) caused a family crisis?
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
As the nation's oldest school of international affairs, SFS offers a strong foundation in global policy, diplomacy and leadership and an alumni network unparalleled in the field.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
Macron still wields significant authority over foreign policy, European affairs, and the military as commander in chief of France's nuclear arsenal.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
While new International Cricket Council chair Jay Shah, who was previously at the helm of India’s governing body, is the son of India home affairs minister Amit Shah.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Such is the state of affairs that workers often stay silent until conditions become intolerable and the fear of the status quo outweighs the fear of retaliation, Ravi said.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 8 Sep. 2025
In Liu’s books, creatures called Trisolarans send a scouting mission of supercomputers to spy on and subtly disrupt human affairs.
—Matthew Hutson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Industry events are often staid affairs, full of long-winded speeches and by-the-numbers performances.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Would Rupert and Lachlan sell off the empire while the regulatory state of affairs was in their favor, and before Rupert’s passing (or the year 2030, whichever came first) caused a family crisis?
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
As the nation's oldest school of international affairs, SFS offers a strong foundation in global policy, diplomacy and leadership and an alumni network unparalleled in the field.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
Macron still wields significant authority over foreign policy, European affairs, and the military as commander in chief of France's nuclear arsenal.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
While new International Cricket Council chair Jay Shah, who was previously at the helm of India’s governing body, is the son of India home affairs minister Amit Shah.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Such is the state of affairs that workers often stay silent until conditions become intolerable and the fear of the status quo outweighs the fear of retaliation, Ravi said.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 8 Sep. 2025
In Liu’s books, creatures called Trisolarans send a scouting mission of supercomputers to spy on and subtly disrupt human affairs.
—Matthew Hutson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affairs
Noun
-
There’s an audience for this film, for those who like their romances unsentimental and spare, politically conscious without overheaping the messaging.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
-
These are all sideways romances for an uncertain time.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Geneva Watch Days opened last Thursday with a slew of new introductions that added substance and excitement to the weekend of events seminars, roundtables and events focused on the world of luxury watches.—
Carol Besler,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
In Canada, Angelina Jolie, Maude Apatow and Leslie Mann attend events at the Toronto International Film Festival.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Bates gets fired up when productions shot outside Los Angeles are mentioned.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Dixon, who had performed and written for Atlanta theater productions, said that Perry singled him out in the crowd of event staff.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
If things do go long, Alcaraz will still back himself.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But now, the King and the royal family have received very sad news that will change things going forward.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
If the end goal is beating the ideological adversary, then little matters beyond that.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The 63-year-old NBA commissioner who came up under the fire-breathing David Stern, and who has chosen diplomacy over dictatorship since taking over in 2014, doesn’t typically stick his chest out when discussing such matters of governance.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Senior running back/defensive end Ishmaiah Elliott intrigues.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
-
For the past four years, Honan has been a worm in Adams’s apple, scoring scoop after scoop about the dramas, inanities, and intrigues of his administration.—
Eric Lach,
New Yorker,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Big-name candidates and national attention are shifting the political dynamics of gubernatorial races across the country, posing challenges and opportunities for both parties.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Why is this a big move from both parties?—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell Philips Hue showed off its first video doorbell at IFA alongside a number of other smart home products, including a new Hue bridge and strip lights.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Available in 9 different colors, the hanging organizer has four different zippered compartments roomy enough to hold full-size hair care products, brushes, combs, and more.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Affairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affairs. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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