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 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
  • But some families are dysfunctional and Manchester United have that aura of doom-loop about them.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Mexican YouTuber Alex Crashers described encountering an aura battle in Mexico in a video shared this week.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Upscale retreats are being designed to blend seamlessly into some of the African country’s most remote environments; being hard to find offers the ultimate in exclusivity.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Many brands, particularly in today’s ever-more crowded and competitive makeup environment, might have launched anyway.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses overnight intercepted and destroyed 351 Ukrainian drones over eight Russian regions, as well as occupied Crimea and the waters of the Azov and the Black Seas.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Musk, Kushner, and air defenses On air defenses, Zelensky contrasted the number of Patriot missiles supplied in 2023 – which was 675 – with the forecast number of 264 this year.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • All the climate stories in this show are part of the desire to be authentic, but also speak to what our audiences are living through.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Barnard said studies have shown that Pacific storms generate about 30% more wave energy during an El Niño year compared to a year without the climate cycle.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • Now, as my anxiety climbed, the smell was becoming inseparable from the fear.
    — Ledio Cakaj, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Neighbors said the rotten-egg smell has gotten worse over the last couple of weeks, even trailing to apartments across the street.
    — Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • The only position capable of contesting the expanding power and violence of the carceral surround is abolition.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The paw print appears again as an engraving on the surround of the car’s rose gold door sill treadplates, visible every time the doors are opened.
    — Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 18 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
  • While working with an indoor environment presents a different kind of ambiance, DeLancett said the show’s participants make the most of it.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Rocking chairs and porches further add to the homey ambiance, while complimentary bikes give you wheels to explore the area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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