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 solar corona is the topmost layer of the sun’s atmosphere. — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 Together, these moves have created an unpredictable funding atmosphere for research, which often takes years and needs stability. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Menon's photo reveals spectacular pink, purple and red auroras glowing in Earth's upper atmosphere above a sparse dappling of city lights, subtly blurred by the motion of the orbital spacecraft over the course of the exposure. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Evanescence will bring its signature blend of hard rock and gothic atmosphere to the stage, while The Offspring will bring forth its punk-rock discography to the mix. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 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 house offered symbolically fitting elements to the book‘s story and close proximity to the water, while also offering both a menacing and calm aura.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This changes when moving off-center past about 30 degrees, at which point the objects show a wide aura around them.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • As in Spain, our ambition is to make BBC content available wherever audiences choose to watch, across both streaming and FAST environments.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Both experts recommended following general sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining an optimal environment (dark, cool and quiet), keeping a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding sleep-disrupting substances such as alcohol and caffeine.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • The fan covers of the walk-in cooler air conditioner unit are covered in organic buildup.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Numerous tornado warnings were also issued for parts of South Carolina and Georgia as the remnants of Isaias move northward and help create supercells of rain and unstable air, according to National Weather Service alerts and forecasts.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • Areas west of the 405 Freeway are at a greater risk for wildfire than those east of the 405, which benefited from rain from post-Tropical Storm Rachel, said Daniel Swain, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources climate scientist.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Employees sometimes assume automation exists to replace them, which can result in anxiety and a cold climate.
    — Alexandra J. Zanela, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • Radon exposure can go unnoticed because the gas has no smell or color.
    — Tori Mason, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In the corner of the mall occupied by the Cinemark Rave movie theater, the smell of butter wafted into a lobby with another dry fountain.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • It's previously made a surround-sound chair speaker too, so this isn't its first time creating an audio system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The kit includes a 30-inch soundbar, a pair of wireless surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer, with Dolby Atmos support for spatial audio, a rarity at this price point.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • The sweet, woody scent of Georgia pines blended with the wafting aroma of sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • For nearly two decades, Pena and his wife have run a Dominican restaurant in Allentown, where the aroma of crispy pastelillos and savory rice fills the dining room.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Instead of everybody facing one direction staring at the DJ, Savage wants the environment to be about the ambiance, the music, and the people in the space, not just who’s playing.
    — Candace Hansen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Another of Provenza’s stylish stays, 23 Hotel, draws inspiration from the tropics, using warm lighting and earthy textures to create a restorative ambience.
    — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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