ambience

noun

ˈam-bē-ən(t)s How to pronounce ambience (audio)
variants or ambiance
Definition of ambiencenext
as in aura
a special quality or impression associated with something the exurb has the unmistakable ambience of old money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 ambience The United States is home to an array of underrated gems offering a similarly relaxed ambiance and romantic aesthetic people seek out in their European getaways. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 29 July 2026 There’s nothing stopping you from streaming a roaring fireplace on it for ambiance, though—which is actually an ultra-cozy activity in the winter months. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 29 July 2026 Letting a single piece take the spotlight helps set the ambiance of a space—and creates a sense of organization. — Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026 Where to Eat and Drink Solano Avenue is the go-to for a new generation of restaurants that have elevated the dining scene while preserving a welcoming ambiance. — Barbara Noe Kennedy, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambience
  1. aura
  2. atmosphere
  3. smell
  4. aroma
  5. air
Noun
  • But the documentary, to a fault, mirrors the Deadheads’ rambling aura and general absence of structure.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 July 2026
  • Even President Obama made a #VoteIRL video, lending the campaign an aura of official civic endorsement.
    — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • The new South Field Club, scheduled to debut before UCLA's 2026 football season, will provide premium hospitality for approximately 1,000 guests while creating a dramatic player entrance that enhances both recruiting and game-day atmosphere.
    — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • There is no set temperature at which one forms, Giannaros said; what is needed is the kind of atmosphere that breeds dry thunderstorms — very hot, very dry air near the ground, with cooler and moister air above it.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • The real surprise, though, came when the team took a close look at what the flies were doing when there was no smell at all to guide them.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The smell of rotten eggs permeates communities where large piles of decaying sargassum emit ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • Its distinct warm, smoky, and toasted aromas, resulting from the roasting process, offer a unique flavor profile with less bitterness.
    — Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Some residents expressed concerns about pollution, the traffic congestion, the dangers of errant drivers around kids and the lingering aroma of frying food.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • After Ospreay saved Omega, Omega stuck Ospreay with a One Winged Angel and AEW Redemption mercifully went off the air.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Wheelie contests, one-on-one races and freestyle trick events filled the air with engine revs and track dirt as the drivers precariously balanced, drifted and jumped the 10,000 pound vehicles.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of air

Browse Nearby Words

ambidextrous
ambience
ambiences
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ambience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambience. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ambience

Nglish: Translation of ambience for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of mitigate

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All