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

Relevance
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 Lacking a magnetic field or atmosphere, the Moon’s surface has no barrier to prevent the constant flow of this wind. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 During the eclipse, Earth’s shadow will appear reddish orange on the lunar surface because of the way Earth’s atmosphere scatters light from the sun. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026 Loco is known for its casual and rustic atmosphere, barbecue comfort food and cold drinks. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026 The light that does reach the moon is filtered through the earth’s atmosphere, according to NASA. — Idaho Statesman, 26 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
  • Knowing there was a 75-foot saltwater pool inside added to its otherworldly aura.
    — Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Sep. 2026
  • On the other, its smoothness and seamlessness generate an aura of spiritual transcendence, something not unaffiliated with the Angeleno ethos.
    — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Survey methods include live capture, audio recordings and sampling their genetic material from the environment.
    — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • From skin tones to outfit styles,families can personalize the companion in a way that feels more emotionally connected to their home environment.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light, keep the soil evenly moist, and open the bag once each day to let in fresh air.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The apartment has long faced poor living conditions, including some units lacking power or air conditioning.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • Storm tracker Doyle Rice and Dinah Voyles Pulver are national correspondents for USA TODAY, with a focus on weather and climate.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But this farm in landlocked Burkina Faso is part of national efforts to reduce overall reliance on imports and adapt to an ever-harsher climate in the dry heat of Africa’s Sahel region.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • The smell of freshly ground espresso and incense fills the air, and staff speak to patients in hushed, discreet tones, almost as if discussing state secrets.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The smell of rubber and oil remains in the air, and the sound of workers changing tires combines with music from a DJ inside the shop’s waiting room.
    — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • 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
  • That attention to authenticity continues at the fireplace, where a traditional 1920s sunburst brick pattern remains intact under a new marble surround and quartzite slab hearth.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • The rice is stirred over medium heat for a few minutes, giving the grains time to become opaque or lightly golden and release a toasty, nutty aroma.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The specific compounds responsible for the classic smoky aroma of a campfire – phenolic compounds like guaiacol and syringol – are highly reactive.
    — Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Pair with a set of ultra-thin taper candles for ultimate ambience.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Listening to music, ambience sounds, or just the noise of everyday life can improve the ability to hear.
    — Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of ambience

Browse Nearby Words

at loggerheads
atmosphere
atmosphered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Atmosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atmosphere. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All