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 During the reception, the atmosphere was deliberately informal. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026 In that time the methane that got into the atmosphere was as much as the emissions of a half-million cars. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 However, many parents find that bathing their baby right before bed helps establish a routine and creates a soothing and calming atmosphere for bedtime. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 There didn’t seem to be an amazing atmosphere inside AT&T Stadium outside Dallas and France didn’t really offer anything to change that. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 14 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
  • The aura of the arena, the cheers from her friends and family.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • The prevailing motifs include Anglo-American boarding schools and college campuses, accoutrements with a romantic aura (billowing sleeves, melting candles), and analog artifacts (old compasses, monocles).
    — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • In 2022, northern Italy’s most severe drought in two centuries allowed salty seawater to push upstream into the Po River, creating a favorable environment for female blue crabs to reproduce and for their eggs to develop, Costa said.
    — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • In an increasingly unpredictable business environment, executives seek control over their biology through peptides, promising faster recovery and improved performance.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 17 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
  • Because of climate, weather, acorn abundance (yes, really) and decisions about land use dating to colonial times, the bugs are indeed getting worse.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Shield said Cervera benefits from both a milder political climate on the dais and his willingness to talk to parents to resolve day-to-day issues that may seem small in the grand scheme of things.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 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
  • Many homeowners place sprigs of eucalyptus in the shower or in vases where the rich, invigorating aroma of eucalyptus can be enjoyed in its fullest.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026
  • Cook, stirring often, until butter is lightly browned and has a nutty aroma, 3 to 5 minutes.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Domestic tourists had come to appreciate its hummocky beaches, quaint islands, and rich maritime culture, not to mention its easygoing ambience.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
  • Its cavernous cabin and ultra-refined interior create an ambiance that's nearly impossible to top, even in a segment that hosts luxury legends from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 17 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 21 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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