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
West, an entomologist for the Colorado State Forest Service who annually spends late-summer weeks evaluating the health of forests around the state from the air and on the ground, believes leaf peepers may be disappointed this year — at least in comparison to the past two. John Meyer, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025 Formula 1 has Monaco, with its ostentation and air of exclusivity. Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
Victorious, which aired in over 80 countries, also helped launch the career of Ariana Grande, who later brought Thomas on as producer/co-writer for her Yours Truly and Positions albums. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2025 For starters, it's based on the viral sketch produced by NFL Films and Omaha Productions that aired on ESPN+ as part of the Eli's Places series. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for air
Noun
  • The pressure on high-end fashion brands to maintain their aura of quality, exclusivity and ethics is mounting amid an already challenging luxury landscape, which is being impacted by a global spending downturn.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • But that aura of possibility begins to fade when the less pleasant edges of their respective realties come to light.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Building a Lodge arsenal in your kitchen all at once can cost a pretty penny, but thankfully Amazon just marked down a number of cast-iron pieces to stock up on best-sellers and make your everyday cooking a breeze.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
  • In a breeze, the solar lights sway softly, flickering like fireflies.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That brief three-month double act between an executive chairman and a CEO is now over.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • O’Brien worked for months, fitting the songs and melodies to Treu’s compositions.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The 13-track record sees the New York native expertly float tales of love, heartbreak, positivity, and frustration over a dreamy bed of smooth soul, R&B, and bossa nova melodies.
    Staff Author, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But voting rights groups and some election officials are voicing concerns that eligible voters could face barriers to casting ballots or be improperly removed from the rolls if states over-rely on incomplete information from SAVE.
    Miles Parks, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
  • And a belief long voiced by many in the region of Israel’s intention to sabotage peace talks has only been fortified by Tuesday’s strikes.
    Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The athletics track surrounding the pitch at the London Stadium certainly does not help, meaning supporters are a long way from the action and the atmosphere suffers as a result.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Two of the missions with uncertain futures monitor carbon dioxide levels in the Earth's atmosphere.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While the head coach has been a breath of fresh air from a culture perspective, that aspect will only go so far if the team continues to lose week in and week out.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Focus on body sensations, breath and presence without attempting to initiate contact.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But not everyone accepts that pretense.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
  • But the Jiménezes’ work does not carry the pretense of purity.
    Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/air. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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