atmosphere

noun

ˈat-mə-ˌsfir How to pronounce atmosphere (audio)
Definition of atmospherenext
1
as in aura
a special quality or impression associated with something the fireplace and cozy armchairs give the bookstore the atmosphere of a comfortable home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded liked the quiet and scholarly atmosphere of his prep school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 atmosphere The new proposal aims to sidestep that hazard by using MCB only occasionally and only in a small portion of the atmosphere. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 8 July 2026 The atmosphere felt less like a corporate office and more like the command center of a worldwide operation. — Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 8 July 2026 If the atmosphere destabilizes, a few pop-up thunderstorms could form near the Kansas City metro area late in the afternoon. — Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026 The evaluation encompassed recommendations from current and former employees, as well as evaluations of employers across the dimensions of image, atmosphere, working conditions, salary, and equality by verified employees. — Time Staff, Time, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for atmosphere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atmosphere
  1. aura
  2. environment
  3. air
  4. climate
  5. smell
  6. surround
  7. aroma
  8. ambience
Noun
  • The aura of the arena, the cheers from her friends and family.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • The prevailing motifs include Anglo-American boarding schools and college campuses, accoutrements with a romantic aura (billowing sleeves, melting candles), and analog artifacts (old compasses, monocles).
    — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Building proper sharps disposal into your healthcare routine, and sharing these tools with friends and loved ones, helps keep your household, community, and our environment safe.
    — Irina Butler, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026
  • When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • The summit also comes as NATO faces pressure to maintain its support for Ukraine and adapt to a battlefield shaped by rapid technological development in drones, air defenses and industrial capacity.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The region’s air quality alerts associated with the Fourth of July concluded Sunday afternoon.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • Because of climate, weather, acorn abundance (yes, really) and decisions about land use dating to colonial times, the bugs are indeed getting worse.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Shield said Cervera benefits from both a milder political climate on the dais and his willingness to talk to parents to resolve day-to-day issues that may seem small in the grand scheme of things.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • The smells are as intense as the colors of the tomatoes, strawberries, and lettuce from nearby farms.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Your sense of smell is wired directly to areas of the brain that regulate pain and alertness, which is why certain fragrances can trigger headaches in sensitive people.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • One skyscraper amidst a sea of them, the Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero blends in with its surrounds.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
  • Final has also used a free-floating lead wire structure, preventing the lead wires from interfering with the surround and helping preserve stable piston motion.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Black and oolong teas are not roasted, but oxidized to bring out different aromas.
    — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Between courses, a master cooper treated us to a fire-barreling demonstration, unleashing tall jets of flame that shot to the ceiling and filled the air with the aroma of charred oak.
    — Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • The music inside the jazz bar in downtown Kansas City is the main attraction, but the space was the highlight to one Yelp review, who said the Green Lady Lounge’s ambiance has a real character to it.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • There are lots of art galleries and cafés, lines of stallholders grilling fish and a wonderfully relaxed ambience as well as a medina that is small enough to explore independently.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of ambience

Browse Nearby Words

at loggerheads
atmosphere
atmosphered
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Cite this Entry

“Atmosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atmosphere. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Nglish: Translation of atmosphere for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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