airs 1 of 2

plural of air

airs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of air

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun airs contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of airs are affectation, air, mannerism, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

Where would affectation be a reasonable alternative to airs?

The meanings of affectation and airs largely overlap; however, affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

In what contexts can air take the place of airs?

In some situations, the words air and airs are roughly equivalent. However, air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

When could mannerism be used to replace airs?

The words mannerism and airs can be used in similar contexts, but mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When might pose be a better fit than airs?

While the synonyms pose and airs are close in meaning, 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 airs
Verb
The network typically airs one or two roasts every year. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 The show, which airs as an internet livestream, features cartoon voice actors led by their DM, Matthew Mercer. Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025 Fans will get a preview of the upcoming season on March 2, when ABC airs a special after the 97th Oscars. Daniela Avila, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 The White Lotus airs on Sunday nights on HBO. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025 Hearst Television airs Tamron Hall in 23 markets including WCVB-TV Boston, WMOR-TV Tampa, KCRA-TV Sacramento, WTAE-TV Pittsburgh, WBAL-TV Baltimore, KMBC-TV Kansas City, WLWT-TV Cincinnati, WISN-TV Milwaukee and WPBF-TV West Palm Beach. Denise Petski, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025 Deal or No Deal Island airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC. Julie Jordan, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025 Paw Patrol, which airs on Nickelodeon and is available to stream on YouTube, Paramount+, and other platforms, has been the third most in-demand children's TV series worldwide since at least 2020, beating out shows like Cocomelon, Bluey, and Peppa Pig, according to Parrot Analytics. Alana Semuels, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 When With Love, Meghan finally airs in March—after it was pushed back due to the ongoing devastation of the LA wildfires—we’ll likely get even more of a glimpse into these super personal wardrobe items and interiors. Olivia Allen, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for airs
Noun
  • The show and storm built to a dramatic crescendo with the clouds opening to Biblical buckets just as guests ran for the exit.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 26 June 2025
  • There might've been a little fear getting three of us back onto a set that is a big monster show.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Inspired by the lines and craftsmanship of the original arcades, its bold geometric facade and sweeping interiors host a John Lewis department store, serving as a modern counterpart to the grandeur of its Victorian neighbor.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Prioritize window placement early by considering exterior style, symmetry, and scale to ensure the facade feels balanced and visually pleasing.
    Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Theft by false pretense: Someone contacted a Saratoga resident claiming to work for Kaiser Hospital and the Chinese police.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 17 June 2025
  • Tiron Alexander, 35, was convicted by a federal jury of wire fraud and entering a secure area of an airport by false pretenses on June 5, according to a press release by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida.
    Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Midfielder Curtis Jones has deputised at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold (ankle) sidelined, but a fully fit Bradley gives Slot a specialist in that role.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Williams gives Daigneault the freedom to do it.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • What’s uncontested is that evolution in any guise has surprises in store.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2025
  • Many of Mulaney’s friends — including Kroll, Seth Meyers and others from Mulaney’s inner circle — convinced him to come under the guise of a college friend’s dinner.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Airs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/airs. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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