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
Using refrigerator liners or mats, which have a perforated or textured finish, help promote good air circulation around your produce, reducing areas where moisture can collect. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 The door now leads to a room stripped of light, devoid of fresh air. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
Verb
Also keep the room well ventilated by opening the door and running the bathroom fan to air out any chemicals. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 In addition to its popularity online, the spokesperson for F1 also attributes the rise in interest to the reality show on Netflix, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, which has aired since 2019. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for air
Noun
  • While jumping from one show to the next, Walters nurtured her relationship with fans and would have been appalled by the current aura of distrust.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • Verne purists won’t be pleased, because the tragic aura that surrounded Nemo in the novels doesn’t exactly translate here, and the adaptation’s company story line is so overwhelming while ultimately feeling too rapidly resolved.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Keep scrolling to find more totes, crossbody bags, and wallet phone cases under $60 at Amazon that will make your summer travels a breeze..
    Claire Harmeyer, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • The recipes are broken down clearly, with numbered steps, photos, and bolded ingredients that make skimming a breeze.
    Neha Tandon, Glamour, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Yet a war with Iran may be enough to seemingly legitimize his use of the act.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
  • Of all the acts, though, Sudanese American vocalist Dua Saleh was the most subdued, swaying between heart-fluttering falsettos and cunning raps.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s a melancholy in the melody, but at the same time, the rap and vocals really pull out the raw emotion.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Michael Robinson heard the saxophone melody drifting toward his bus Wednesday and walked over to hear Damico Brown’s smooth jazz notes outside the Gary Metro Station.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The veteran actor also appeared as Captain in X-Men: First Class (2011), voiced Ultra Magnus in various Transformers releases, and appeared on shows like The Alienist, This Is Us, and The Dropout.
    EW.com, EW.com, 29 June 2025
  • At lease five House Republicans also voiced their opposition to the plan, including Reps. David Valadao of California and Ryan Zinke of Montana, who served as the Interior secretary during Trump’s first term.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The Mediterranean atmosphere is ideal for a lunch pre or post-tennis matches.
    Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Ahead of the event’s fifth edition, Reeve-Rabb suggests the 2026 festival line-up could be even bigger, while retaining the event’s intimate atmosphere.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • As businesses held their breath for the arrival of 2025, there was a striking decline in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity.
    Matt Kunkel, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Ticks find their hosts by detecting animals’ breath and body odors, or by sensing body heat, moisture and vibrations, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured two of the women under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025
  • Theft by false pretenses: A Saratoga resident said someone convinced them to sign a property deed in lieu of foreclosure to avoid filing for bankruptcy.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/air. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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