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 But the part that stood out most was a slice of the surrounding atmosphere—rooster crows echoing in the streets, and sunlight spilling onto a colorful cemetery in the distance. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026 However, a substantial layer of dry air in the middle levels of the atmosphere will limit rainfall development. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 This indirectly influences the polar jet stream, a band of wind that circles the entire polar region in the troposphere—the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where most of our weather happens. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026 With low pressure already spinning away in the Gulf of Alaska, any stable atmosphere that moves east will pull that Gulf of Alaska low south, where it will quickly be saturated with extra moisture from El Niño and form an atmospheric river. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 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
  • For the site of their hard launch, the odd couple chose Perfecting Church, a Black church in Detroit, evidently seeking to exploit the aura of social justice implicit in the Black faith tradition.
    — Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Over a career spanning five decades, von Rydingsvard transformed humble four-by-four chunks of wood into towering shapes whose puzzling bumps and hollows gave them the aura of ancient living beings.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • This provides a dense environment in which nuclei can interact.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Brands should lean into real people, real environments, distinctive perspectives and visual details that come from actual experience.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • Hundreds of thousands of families were left without power overnight as Moscow sought to exploit Ukraine's shortage of air defenses, Zelenskyy said in a post on social media.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Paxton is trailing in most polls while receiving the most air support of any candidate.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • SpaceX, Tesla, Chevron, and Caterpillar are among the corporate giants that relocated to Texas in search of lower taxes, light-touch regulation, and a business-friendly political climate.
    — Shelly Banjo, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Buelna and another candidate accused Winston of misleading the public by describing himself as an architect and an educator during the campaign when his full-time job is deputy mayor of infrastructure and climate resilience.
    — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • The smell of old leather and engine oil, the heavy doors and the view of St Moritz slipping past the windows only added to the sense of occasion.
    — Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • This past June, a fire east of downtown in a massive frozen-food warehouse caused weeks of foul smells and frustration.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • The industrial metal surround is echoed in the kitchen’s slate-gray hood and backsplash, which is contrasted by glossy eggshell cabinetry and a sturdy wooden island.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2026
  • An electric fireplace and lots of glazing round out the space, and the timber shiplap finish and faux stone fireplace surround are a nice touch, lending it a cabin-like look.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Those compounds break down over time, so the aroma becomes much gentler.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Candle Candles make the best holiday gifts for anyone on your list, especially those of us who like to stay home and enjoy their invigorating aromas.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Still, formality is the order of the day, befitting the ultra-luxurious ambiance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • There is nothing better than sitting in the Chili's bar on a college football Saturday afternoon, ordering some chips and salsa and an ice-cold Coke and just soaking in the ambience.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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