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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 It will then be loaded up with trash and sent down to a fiery death in Earth's atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Bryan, without chains on his tires, drives up a treacherous farm-country road in the snowy night, which lends the movie a fairy-tale atmosphere. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026 The grounds pass concept was inspired by the fan-friendly atmosphere highlights at the US Openin New York City. — Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026 Making the area more concentrated — whether that means moving all team units indoors (as the organizers initially wanted) or changing the paddock’s layout — could create a better atmosphere next year. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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
  • Doing so with Olivia Miles, who has captivated so many with her style of play but also her aura off the court, just feels special.
    — Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Under the influence of smoldering Scorpio, Venus possesses a magnetic, secretive and complex aura, making everything from our relationships to our investments all the more consuming and intense.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Start with the environment A person does not necessarily need to abandon technology to create a more sleep-supportive evening.
    — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Renowned investor Stanley Druckenmiller, a long-time mentor to current US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, characterized the current environment as a war for capital.
    — , CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • Eachus studied the air temperature, heat indexes and peak temperatures for games at Texas, Tulsa, Alabama, Georgia, Nebraska and Iowa.
    — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Zelensky has previously stressed said that an acute shortage of air defense interceptors has left Ukraine vulnerable to ballistic missile attacks.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • Armed with this valuable data, a business can take a realistic look at its present situation and better position itself for future success—even as the tech climate continues to evolve at such a fast pace.
    — Michelle Mekky, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In colder climates, gardeners can begin scaling back deadheading in late summer or early fall.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • Unlike sight, sound or touch, smell signals go straight to the olfactory bulb.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • There was a time, not that long ago, when the average suburban street was full of unannounced drop-ins, the smell of burning charcoal, and scattered lawn chairs.
    — John Mac Ghlionn, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • Dashes of yellow surround the branding, while a bright red shade is used subtly on the outsole as well as the black shoelaces.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Inside is a sea of gold, covering the full-width instrument panel and gauges, the radio surround, and dash-top ash tray.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • The barbecue aroma filled the parking lot as the long wait had fans more than ready to watch the Chiefs take the field.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The aroma filled my nostrils, fighting the overpowering perfume of the flowers that lay in a vivid blanket of color around the gaping grave.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Thoughtful design elements appear everywhere, from the art and photography collection that spurs conversation to the living room ambiance of the main lounge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • What a night that was by Lake Michigan — full of ambience, emotion and stadium-shaking theatrics as the Bears continued their remarkable season.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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