air 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
as in melody
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect played a lively air on his fiddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

air

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun air contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of air are affectation, airs, mannerism, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

In what contexts can affectation take the place of air?

The words affectation and air can be used in similar contexts, but affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

When would airs be a good substitute for air?

While in some cases nearly identical to air, airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

When is mannerism a more appropriate choice than air?

While the synonyms mannerism and air are close in meaning, mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When could pose be used to replace air?

In some situations, the words pose and air are roughly equivalent. However, pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

her shyness was just a pose

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 air
Noun
The ability to stick to a carrier vehicle could be used to deploy Vipers from air, sea or ground vehicles without the need for specialist equipment. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Do not burn debris or other items during an air quality alert. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Victorious, which aired in over 80 countries, also helped launch the career of Ariana Grande, who later brought Thomas on as producer/co-writer for her Yours Truly and Positions albums. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2025 For starters, it's based on the viral sketch produced by NFL Films and Omaha Productions that aired on ESPN+ as part of the Eli's Places series. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for air
Noun
  • The pressure on high-end fashion brands to maintain their aura of quality, exclusivity and ethics is mounting amid an already challenging luxury landscape, which is being impacted by a global spending downturn.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • But that aura of possibility begins to fade when the less pleasant edges of their respective realties come to light.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • And the pull-on style makes getting ready a breeze.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The international community is watching closely to see how reliable the two countries’ new leaders can be, but many seem optimistic that there is a positive breeze blowing that can transcend both nations’ grim recent past.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That brief three-month double act between an executive chairman and a CEO is now over.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • O’Brien worked for months, fitting the songs and melodies to Treu’s compositions.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The 13-track record sees the New York native expertly float tales of love, heartbreak, positivity, and frustration over a dreamy bed of smooth soul, R&B, and bossa nova melodies.
    Staff Author, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Brendan McDermid | Reuters Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, a candidate to take over from Jerome Powell as chair in 2026, on Wednesday voiced his support for starting a rate-cutting cycle in two weeks and said the central bank has the flexibility to adjust that pace in the future.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The only high-profile Republican candidate who voiced skepticism about prioritizing redistricting was Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The athletics track surrounding the pitch at the London Stadium certainly does not help, meaning supporters are a long way from the action and the atmosphere suffers as a result.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Two of the missions with uncertain futures monitor carbon dioxide levels in the Earth's atmosphere.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The colors will take your breath away.
    Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • This includes water from their breath, sweat, urine, and showers.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But not everyone accepts that pretense.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
  • But the Jiménezes’ work does not carry the pretense of purity.
    Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/air. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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