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
  • When styled correctly, loafers are an all-day shoe that easily take you from the office to after-work drinks, while mom jeans—defined by their high-waist and relaxed fit—are appropriate for most settings while maintaining an effortless aura.
    — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Redolent of palo santo, leather, tobacco flowers, and patchouli, its invocation of campfire and church incense will keep the aura of sacred smoke around you all day.
    — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • The toxic environment eventually pushed Jagetz to her breaking point.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • That prospect creates a difficult environment for startups attempting to train another broad language model.
    — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • Military analysts believe these capabilities will shape the future of air combat over the coming decades.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • As the Mooton host approaches in the forest, the sounds of a war drum fill the air, like a resounding heartbeat.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • Extreme heat in Europe is becoming increasingly frequent, evolving from a purely climate issue into an economic challenge.
    — , CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The threat from heat is expected to grow significantly as the climate warms.
    — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • The real surprise, though, came when the team took a close look at what the flies were doing when there was no smell at all to guide them.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The smell of rotten eggs permeates communities where large piles of decaying sargassum emit ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • 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
  • One skyscraper amidst a sea of them, the Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero blends in with its surrounds.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 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
  • After a day of sampling Bayonne ham and cooling off in the Atlantic, return to the rental’s soft mattresses and cozy ambience.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026
  • The idea is to share several different plates, listen to the music — an izakaya’s ambiance is much different than that of an upscale omakase restaurant — and hang out with your friends without a lot of fuss.
    — Connie Ogle July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of ambience

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atmosphere
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Cite this Entry

“Atmosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atmosphere. Accessed 6 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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