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
Ammonia concentration was 1,000 times normal Scientists measured the concentration of ammonia in the air at a site near Marambio Base, a research station on the Antarctic Peninsula owned by Argentina, for a couple of months in 2023. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 May 2025 The Affordable Clean Cars Coalition, led by the U.S. Climate Alliance, aims to ensure America continues its transition to cleaner, more affordable vehicles, support U.S. carmakers and workers, and uphold states' authority to set clean air standards. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
With The Atlantic is a partnership between NewsHour Productions, WETA, and The Atlantic airing every Friday on PBS stations nationwide. The Editors, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025 That’s a small bonus for new broadcast partner Fox, which is supplanting NBC after the Peacock network aired the race for 16 years. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 24 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
  • The steel racks are removable and dishwasher-safe, so clean-up is a breeze.
    Christopher Murray 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, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The aura is a hip, wide-open two-floor plan that breaks down traditional barriers, is inclusive and invites collaboration.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 21 May 2025
  • Despite this, there is one thing that Hogan did unbelievably well that many WWE Superstars have trouble matching to this day: his aura and presentation.
    Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally and as antisemitic acts are on the rise.
    Maya Sweedler, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • The shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. is a heinous act of antisemitic murder and terrorism.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., has previously voiced strong support of the bill.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 25 May 2025
  • Even the United States, a staunch ally, has voiced concerns over the hunger crisis.
    Sam Mednick, Christian Science Monitor, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The two songs had been locked in second place on the list of the longest-running No. 1s in the history of the Hot Rap Songs chart.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • As the credits rolled, it was revealed that Antonoff and Coen collaborated on three songs for the film that Qualley performed — one of which had a Lana Del Rey feel to it.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • After Annie shows up on his porch, Jon ushers the nineteen-year-old inside, and the audience sucks in its breath.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 May 2025
  • Best Air Purifier Clorox Ultra Air Purifier with UV-C Light $250 at Amazon $262 at Wayfair $250 at Lowe's Much like a breath of fresh air itself, this powerful purifier does wonders deep cleaning the air throughout your home.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 22 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
  • At February’s European Film Market, Spanish companies reported an upbeat atmosphere despite the absence of major competition titles.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 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 29 May. 2025.

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