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 Orionids bring streaking fireballs Orionid meteors are known to fly by at high speeds, streaking through Earth’s atmosphere at 41 miles per second (66 kilometers per second). — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 These showed an Earth-like planet swathed in an atmosphere perfectly suitable for humans. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026 The upper atmosphere recoiled so violently that radio communications were disrupted. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 This, along with light wind speeds, means little mixing in the atmosphere to 'water down' the impact. — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 20 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 joy and innocence that greeted students and teachers on their return to school in early September has been lost, replaced by a somber and quiet aura.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The opening event, which included a 3,000-drone performance, wellness events such as sound healing, journal customization, aura photography and fashion sketches, was attended by global ambassador Jisoo and models Ming Xi and Stella Maxwell.
    — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Potential applications include autonomous drones, submarines and other vehicles operating in environments where satellite navigation is unreliable.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Technogym Checkup supports operators across fitness, health care, hospitality and corporate wellness environments to deliver more personalized and measurable experiences.
    — Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • That dustup is typically followed by a defense in Puck’s media newsletter, the reflexively anti-rank-and-file outlet where some media bosses and spokespeople go to air grievances about their unruly staff.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • There is an accumulation of dust on air vents and ceiling tiles in food preparation areas.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • In early 2025 Garrett Boudinot, a geochemist who founded alkalinity company Vycarb, argued on the climate news site Carbon Herald that mCDR should be measured directly.
    — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Also in 2025, Chanel published its first Climate Transition Plan, which set out priority actions for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and building long-term operational and supply chain resilience to climate risks.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • The chemical smell was hanging inside their home as her husband taped windows shut to avoid more leaking inside.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026
  • What remained was wreckage — twisted metal, pieces of the balloon — and the smell of something burned.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • The porcelain faces on the surround are from the Chelsea Flea.
    — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Our tester featured available comforts such as premium audio, a surround-view camera system, and optional carbon bucket seats.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Their texture and aroma stand up to the cheese, walnuts and creamy buttermilk dressing.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Their 2021 Pogetto di Sopra Alleanza is exceptionally well made with aromas of vanilla, cherry, and red plum.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Research published in Tourism Management Perspectives suggests that ambience plays a meaningful role in diners’ emotional responses.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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 22 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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