Synonyms of pose

pose 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈpōz 

as in to suggest

to set before the mind for consideration

posed an interesting question for the visiting astronomer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suggest
• propose
• offer
• present
• recommend
• vote
• put forward
• put forth
• bounce
• submit
• propound
• advance
• proffer
• nominate
• file
• move
• shape
• plan
• trot out
• tender
• arrange
• lay
• plot
• map
• calculate
• cover
• lodge
• chart
• frame
• contrive

pose

2 of 3

verb (2)

as in to puzzle

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty

utterly posed by the barrage of questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• puzzle
• confuse
• baffle
• perplex
• bewilder
• embarrass
• disturb
• bother
• get
• mystify
• rattle
• stun
• vex
• fluster
• confound
• buffalo
• fox
• bemuse
• befuddle
• muddle
• discombobulate
• flummox
• maze
• beat
• muddy
• upset
• blow one's mind
• disorient
• bamboozle
• gravel
• fuddle
• addle
• stick
• stump
• unsettle
• befog
• distress
• go to one's head
• disconcert
• discomfort
• trick
• faze
• mortify
• perturb
• discomfit
• agitate
• deceive
• discountenance
• discompose
• nonplus
• weird out
• abash
• unhinge
• disquiet
• fool
• dismay
• delude
• chagrin
• gull
• mislead
• dupe
• hoax
• take in
• snow
• string along
• beguile
• humbug
• misguide
• hoodwink
• cozen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assure
• satisfy
• inform
• reassure
• enlighten

pose

3 of 3

noun

as in show

a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive

my cheerfulness was just a pose, for I was feeling miserable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• show
• facade
• guise
• pretense
• act
• front
• masquerade
• disguise
• pretence
• charade
• façade
• semblance
• airs
• cloak
• performance
• image
• appearance
• playacting
• portrayal
• pretext
• put-on
• impersonation
• persona
• camouflage
• excuse
• deception
• affectation
• gloss
• duplicity
• fraud
• betrayal
• treason
• color
• dissimulation
• treachery
• deceit
• guile
• double cross
• fakery
• falsity
• falseness
• double-dealing
• dissembling
• perfidy
• faithlessness
• infidelity
• unfaithfulness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sincerity
• frankness
• directness
• candor
• bluntness
• outspokenness
• forthrightness
• straightforwardness
• plainspokenness
• candidness
• naïveté
• naiveté
• genuineness
• artlessness
• naivete
• openheartedness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pose contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pose are affectation, airs, air, and mannerism. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

her shyness was just a pose

When might affectation be a better fit than pose?

Although the words affectation and pose have much in common, affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

When could air be used to replace pose?

The words air and pose can be used in similar contexts, but air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

In what contexts can airs take the place of pose?

In some situations, the words airs and pose are roughly equivalent. However, airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

Where would mannerism be a reasonable alternative to pose?

While in some cases nearly identical to pose, mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pose

Verb

Kehoe’s hands-on involvement with the proposal, which is unusual for a sitting governor, poses a big test of his political clout after spending years as a prominent Jefferson City businessman. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025

Lopez posed in Reformation’s Tagliatelle Linen Dress, a classic gingham maxi style in a subtle blush shade that costs $278. —Melony Forcier, People.com, 14 May 2025

Noun

The memory of that catastrophe — and its lingering associations with death, contamination and fear — reflects the grave threat expanded offshore drilling poses to many of the nation’s coastal communities today. —Daniel Moss, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025

Some poses, like high lunge, require a chair without armrests. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing pose

• pose (as)