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 But the part that stood out most was a slice of the surrounding atmosphere—rooster crows echoing in the streets, and sunlight spilling onto a colorful cemetery in the distance. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026 However, a substantial layer of dry air in the middle levels of the atmosphere will limit rainfall development. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 This indirectly influences the polar jet stream, a band of wind that circles the entire polar region in the troposphere—the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where most of our weather happens. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026 With low pressure already spinning away in the Gulf of Alaska, any stable atmosphere that moves east will pull that Gulf of Alaska low south, where it will quickly be saturated with extra moisture from El Niño and form an atmospheric river. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 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
  • Much has been made of the powerful men who inhabited Epstein's world, whose wealth and reputations lent him an aura of legitimacy.
    — Anna Rahmanan, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Seyfried wore the Stuart Power 100 in a cream satin iteration, which conferred a soft and delicate aura to the silhouette.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • The process requires specialized mirrors and a vacuum environment because EUV light is readily absorbed by many materials.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Democrats’ sweep Tuesday night delivered their largest House majority in decades, flipping traditionally Republican seats across the country thanks to a favorable political environment.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • Its intelligent control system adjusts the volume of air supplied beneath the hull according to the vessel’s speed and draught.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
  • And then the spontaneous cheers and shouts erupted as the aircraft, full of returning troops, lifted off the South Vietnam air strip.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • As the planet heats up and enters a new era of climate extremes, from deadly flooding to brutal heat waves, the spotlight should be on methane, according to Brownstein.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Drifting from place to place, swept up amid a roiling climate of anti-war protests, rebellion, free love, wild rock concerts, drugs and decadent parties, his desperate journey home becomes an awakening of heartbreak, loss and freedom.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • The smell of old leather and engine oil, the heavy doors and the view of St Moritz slipping past the windows only added to the sense of occasion.
    — Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • This past June, a fire east of downtown in a massive frozen-food warehouse caused weeks of foul smells and frustration.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • The industrial metal surround is echoed in the kitchen’s slate-gray hood and backsplash, which is contrasted by glossy eggshell cabinetry and a sturdy wooden island.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2026
  • An electric fireplace and lots of glazing round out the space, and the timber shiplap finish and faux stone fireplace surround are a nice touch, lending it a cabin-like look.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Those compounds break down over time, so the aroma becomes much gentler.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Candle Candles make the best holiday gifts for anyone on your list, especially those of us who like to stay home and enjoy their invigorating aromas.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Nothing can up the ambiance on a front porch quite like flickering candlelight, and these decorative metal lanterns will keep it safe and contained, all while adding an elegant touch to any decor style.
    — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Still, formality is the order of the day, befitting the ultra-luxurious ambiance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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