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 fire broke out June 17 and raged for eight days, sending a massive amount of smoke into the atmosphere and prompting warnings for nearby residents to stay inside. — City News Service, Daily News, 8 July 2026 Dollar Tree has quietly stocked a strong summerween lineup for shoppers who want maximum atmosphere for minimum cost. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026 The new proposal aims to sidestep that hazard by using MCB only occasionally and only in a small portion of the atmosphere. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 8 July 2026 The evaluation encompassed recommendations from current and former employees, as well as evaluations of employers across the dimensions of image, atmosphere, working conditions, salary, and equality by verified employees. — Time Staff, Time, 8 July 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
  • Here, ribbed pink nails complement aura designs and gold chrome French tips.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • Now, his competition has caught on to the value of signing on an eclectic host of talents, no matter their level of fame, to curate a certain aura around a brand.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • For a safer outdoor work environment, follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s guidance by scheduling regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • The summit also comes as NATO faces pressure to maintain its support for Ukraine and adapt to a battlefield shaped by rapid technological development in drones, air defenses and industrial capacity.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The region’s air quality alerts associated with the Fourth of July concluded Sunday afternoon.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has long identified Bangladesh as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries because of its low-lying delta geography.
    — Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, The Dial, 7 July 2026
  • Ferguson and Yaeckel are climate advocates with the San Diego chapters of the Citizens Climate Lobby.
    — James Ferguson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • Light citronella candles to help mask the smells that attract pests.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The earthy scent of decomposing leaves and soil contributes to the smell.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • For the first time, a full immersive L-ISA surround system wraps the 17,500-seat amphitheater in spatial audio, turning century-old architecture into a futuristic, customizable listening environment.
    — Dave Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • At the rear of the second floor is the primary suite, which has a large walk-in closet and another beautiful bathroom featuring a six-foot soaking tub with a custom glass surround.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Black and oolong teas are not roasted, but oxidized to bring out different aromas.
    — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Between courses, a master cooper treated us to a fire-barreling demonstration, unleashing tall jets of flame that shot to the ceiling and filled the air with the aroma of charred oak.
    — Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • The luxury hotels of Rancho Mirage are a key contributor to the area’s ambiance, especially in summer.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Features like gas fire pits, a water fountain, an outdoor shower, and lantern lighting enhance ambiance.
    — Rory Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 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 9 Jul. 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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