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 So rough, in fact, that parts of the storm in different levels of the atmosphere have separated, instead of remaining stacked on top of each other like a healthy, strong storm. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 A couple of years later, the FCC also began requiring operators to disclose whether their satellites were designed to burn up in the atmosphere at the end of their lives or if the spacecraft were likely to survive the trip home and hit the ground. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 22 July 2026 All of it left little room for supporters to create their own organic atmosphere. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026 When comets come around the sun, the dust emitted as the debris collides with Earth's atmosphere forms a trail that creates fiery, colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 21 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
  • But the documentary, to a fault, mirrors the Deadheads’ rambling aura and general absence of structure.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 July 2026
  • Even President Obama made a #VoteIRL video, lending the campaign an aura of official civic endorsement.
    — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Rohlfing has also pledged to strengthen core county services, including public safety, infrastructure and public works, while promoting a more business-friendly environment to attract and retain employers.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Browning and Eveland developed the educational curriculum that would provide both an understanding and hands-on experience in a friendly environment where questions are encouraged.
    — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • The fourth star and a fairytale send off for Lionel Messi earned through lots of grit, fighting spirit and a bit of magic evaporated into the East Rutherford, New Jersey, air.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Fireworks representing both teams’ national colors blasted off into the humid air as Georges and the other volunteers helped carry the flags away.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • Khosla Ventures, a heavy backer of artificial intelligence along with climate and healthcare start-ups, was the first venture capital firm to invest in OpenAI.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • To mitigate those losses, scientists are developing a wide range of tools—combining advances in genetics, breeding, and crop physiology—to make agriculture more resilient to climate risks.
    — Derek Norman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • On Sunday morning there was a strong smell of smoke in the city, one said, and an air raid alert was still in place.
    — Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • Other signs of bed bugs include ink-like speckled stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons around crevices of beds and furniture and a sweet, musty smell.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • 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
  • Final has also used a free-floating lead wire structure, preventing the lead wires from interfering with the surround and helping preserve stable piston motion.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Next is Panthea Parker, a woman whose last name follows her first name like aroma follows a cup of coffee.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Japanese Sansho pepper brings a vibrant citrus aroma, combined with a somehow-mild, tingling heat that leaves a temporary numbing sensation on the tongue.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • The comedy is still the thing in this frolicsome outdoor production, which takes place in the charming ambiance of the festival’s portable, mini-Elizabethan venue.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Outside, more relaxation awaits in the sizeable outdoor pool and spacious bedrooms characterized by a quiet cottagecore ambiance.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 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 26 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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