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 Every organization, political party and brand can play a bigger role in contributing to societal net zero, meaning as much carbon being absorbed as is released into the atmosphere, and driving the transition to renewable energy, Reid said. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 Other artists and galleries followed, along with a bohemian atmosphere that attracted people from throughout Miami-Dade, much like SoHo in New York. — Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 That atmosphere became part of Reveal’s identity from the start. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2026 This celestial shield keeps harmful solar wind, cosmic rays and radiation at bay, preventing the atmosphere from being stripped away. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 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
  • 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
  • Defined by Victorian era elements like lace and semi-sheer material with severe silhouettes and gothic styles, the dark glamour look punctuated the general edgy aura of Charli XCX’s alt pop star wardrobe.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Our research suggests these tombs were designed and constructed not simply to house the dead, but to affect the living through a sensorily immersive environment similar to a modern 3D film experience.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The United States is now demonstrating the technology in operational environments, while simultaneously placing substantial contracts for production systems.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • The sparrows fluttered into the air, wings beating against each other in panic.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Do air travelers notice the difference between airports, the frustration of exiting LAX and potentially avoid flying out of it whenever possible?
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • There is now little doubt that minimizing the damage from climate will require phasing down fossil fuels and reducing livestock herds.
    — Stephanie Walton, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Years of climate abuse, of reckless drilling at the ends of the earth, have unleashed a wave of methane, which in terms of environmental destruction makes carbon dioxide look like laughing gas.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • But the smell of a pot brewing can still bring back memories of the people who once poured it.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Multisensory journeys have been developed to immerse clients in the rituals, music and smells inspired by the lifestyles of these destinations.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • The kit includes a 30-inch soundbar, a pair of wireless surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer, with Dolby Atmos support for spatial audio, a rarity at this price point.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 17 Sep. 2026
  • To winterize hydrangeas, wrap them in burlap or make a wire surround and stuff the inside with straw or another insulating material.
    — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Our wine ages for a full year in French oak, where the wood’s precise porosity allows just the right exchange with oxygen — softening the wine, concentrating its aromas and flavours, building complexity no machine can replicate.
    — Peter Hahn, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The aroma is complemented by hints of bergamot, sage, neroli, and musk, too.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Meanwhile, interiors were curated by architect Andrea Faraguna under Tron’s creative direction, yielding a gallery-like ambience.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Candle warmer lamps in particular are being positioned as flame-free ambiance for daily use rather than as gift-shop items, and heated throws are showing up in reading-and-movie-night framings rather than purely as cold-weather gear.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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