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 solar corona is the topmost layer of the sun’s atmosphere. — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 Together, these moves have created an unpredictable funding atmosphere for research, which often takes years and needs stability. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Menon's photo reveals spectacular pink, purple and red auroras glowing in Earth's upper atmosphere above a sparse dappling of city lights, subtly blurred by the motion of the orbital spacecraft over the course of the exposure. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Evanescence will bring its signature blend of hard rock and gothic atmosphere to the stage, while The Offspring will bring forth its punk-rock discography to the mix. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 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
  • The house offered symbolically fitting elements to the book‘s story and close proximity to the water, while also offering both a menacing and calm aura.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This changes when moving off-center past about 30 degrees, at which point the objects show a wide aura around them.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Potential applications include autonomous drones, submarines and other vehicles operating in environments where satellite navigation is unreliable.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Technogym Checkup supports operators across fitness, health care, hospitality and corporate wellness environments to deliver more personalized and measurable experiences.
    — Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • That dustup is typically followed by a defense in Puck’s media newsletter, the reflexively anti-rank-and-file outlet where some media bosses and spokespeople go to air grievances about their unruly staff.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • There is an accumulation of dust on air vents and ceiling tiles in food preparation areas.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • Areas west of the 405 Freeway are at a greater risk for wildfire than those east of the 405, which benefited from rain from post-Tropical Storm Rachel, said Daniel Swain, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources climate scientist.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Employees sometimes assume automation exists to replace them, which can result in anxiety and a cold climate.
    — Alexandra J. Zanela, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • Radon exposure can go unnoticed because the gas has no smell or color.
    — Tori Mason, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In the corner of the mall occupied by the Cinemark Rave movie theater, the smell of butter wafted into a lobby with another dry fountain.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • The porcelain faces on the surround are from the Chelsea Flea.
    — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Our tester featured available comforts such as premium audio, a surround-view camera system, and optional carbon bucket seats.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • The sweet, woody scent of Georgia pines blended with the wafting aroma of sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • For nearly two decades, Pena and his wife have run a Dominican restaurant in Allentown, where the aroma of crispy pastelillos and savory rice fills the dining room.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Research published in Tourism Management Perspectives suggests that ambience plays a meaningful role in diners’ emotional responses.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Instead of everybody facing one direction staring at the DJ, Savage wants the environment to be about the ambiance, the music, and the people in the space, not just who’s playing.
    — Candace Hansen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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