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 Ted Lasso, forever more interested in preserving an atmosphere of sterile niceness than grappling with complex humanity, isn’t it. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026 The shag rug is a great tool for curating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 The haunting synth track became the defining musical signature of Nicolas Winding Refn‘s 2011 neo-noir, helping establish both the movie’s dreamlike atmosphere and Kavinsky’s international profile. — HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 Grandma gardens create a nostalgic, comforting atmosphere with layered, classic pastel-hued blooms. — The Spruce, 4 Aug. 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
  • Connecticut reported 12 clinical cases of Candida auras infection in 2024, according to CDC data.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Between the maroon French tips, silver ball details, aura effects, 3D olives, and star designs, every nail brings something new to the table.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • How to Store Muffins and Quick Bread When storing yeast bread, the storage environment needs to be dry so the bread maintains the crusty exterior.
    — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This is what Prada, in collaboration with 2x4, an environments and branding firm, has constructed around its flagship Fifth Avenue building this spring.
    — Lauren Sinclair, Curbed, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • More than 50 hectares (124 acres) of peatland have burned in Jambi province on Sumatra island, causing choking haze in some areas and raising concerns about worsening air quality.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • More drones and missiles are slipping through both sides’ fraying air defenses, meaning that the civilian death toll has increased, and more critical infrastructure is being damaged.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • Sulfur-rich gases reaching the upper atmosphere could reflect sunlight and temporarily cool the climate, disturbing rainfall and reducing harvests worldwide.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Some theories posit that it was caused by a spike in ocean oxygen levels, a threshold of climate stability or an evolutionary race of sorts as animals competed with one another for resources.
    — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • In an effort to stymie the foul smell, part of the facility is wrapped in plastic sheeting while large fans spray odor-control mist around the warehouse.
    — Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The smell is rich, oceanic, and bursting with notes of lime and cilantro.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • Neither are ideal, but this hasn’t prevented City fans from generating a decent atmosphere inside their new surrounds, particularly during last season’s run-in when the final nine home games were all won.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Kia America The X-Line SX’s available heated and ventilated seats, driver memory system, heated steering wheel, panoramic roof and surround-view camera would not have appeared in a mainstream subcompact SUV a few years ago.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • The texture is great, but the lack of flavor and aroma is unforgivable.
    — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The whisky features aromas of vanilla, honey and citrus zest blended with fresh orchard fruits.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • But the Mercedes counters with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, more conventional physical controls, a richer dashboard presentation, and substantially more traditional luxury-car ambiance.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • At night, the space is lit with 450 candles, creating an ambience so romantic that even a Hatfield or McCoy could fall in love if seated across from each other at the table.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 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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