air 1 of 2

1
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

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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
New episodes of American Idol will be available to stream on Hulu the day after the broadcast airs. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Israel has since gained control of about a third of Gaza's territory, and has imposed a complete blockade on all aid including food and fuel, while continuing a deadly and destructive air campaign. Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 12 May 2025
Verb
Janet Jackson will receive the ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards, which will air live from Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Paul Grein, Billboard, 13 May 2025 Despite all of the commotion surrounding Zac’s family’s claim, neither Jen nor Zac has spoken out about the claim since the show first aired. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for air
Noun
  • So, in the space of nothing, Dan now has the title and the melody happening.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The background music, pleasantly tinkled nightly by a real person sitting at a real piano, mixes in pop melodies alongside the Broadway classics and jazz standards.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Without a wire to handle or restrict you to the nearest power outlet, the cordless vacuum is a breeze to maneuver.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • These sleek e-bikes offer the ideal way to feel the summer breeze while reducing your carbon footprint.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • There was a businesslike aura about a team known for their bravado — no shouting, no taunting or joking.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • The gray metallic fixturing in the denim area projects a youthful aura, and there are oversize mirrors, 8.8 feet by 5 feet, for head-to-toe viewing.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Balancing family and business is often framed as an impossible juggling act—one where something always has to give.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Brought in as a response to 66 fans losing their lives in a crush at Ibrox four years earlier, the act (known as the Green Guide) introduced a compulsory licensing system for grounds in the top two divisions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • In this piece Nitwit, voiced by Matt Berry, narrates their wild journey, parodying My Name is Earl, with hilarious moments from Jennifer Coolidge.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Several stars voiced their love for Natasha and fam, including Andy Cohen, Julianne Moore, Richard E. Grant, and Amy Sedaris, who all left various heart emojis in comments on the post.
    EW.com, EW.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Related Stories Pope Leo XIV Chooses Papal Name with Long History 2025 Papal Conclave to Pick New Pope: Full Recap The prayer acknowledged their sins and asked for God's forgiveness, after which followed songs and a period of worship.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • The Vantage Roadster produces less deep, NASCAR rumble, and more the song of a high-revving DTM race car.
    Jonny Lieberman, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Just pick one small action today—one micro-act of joy, one text to a friend, one deep breath.
    Dr. Rina Koshkina, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • There's no good message for America that comes out of these guys ever taking a free breath again.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • All planets with atmospheres in the Solar System experience auroras, created by the interaction of magnetic fields with high-energy particles from the sun.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Because water heats slower than air or dry soil, water in the landscape or atmosphere serves as a stabilizing influence against sudden temperature spikes.
    Saul Elbein, The Hill, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/air. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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