pose 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈpōz How to pronounce pose (audio)
Definition of posenext
as in to suggest
to set before the mind for consideration posed an interesting question for the visiting astronomer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 pose
Verb
Of course, even objects orders of magnitude smaller than the object that created the Chicxulub crater can pose a danger to Earth. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Since the late nineteenth century, raw white-lead was known to pose a substantial health risk to those exposed to it, prompting symptoms such as swelling of the brain, epileptic convulsions, paralysis, severe colic, and death. — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
The framework’s third prong responds to the unique dangers AI poses to children. — Matt Post, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026 The proper pose is a strict neutrality — neither agreeing nor provoking — simply seeking the first opportunity to disengage. — Judith Martin, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
  1. suggest
  2. puzzle
  3. show
  4. propose
  5. confuse
  6. facade
  7. offer
  8. baffle
Verb
  • Data from the Israel Defense Forces as of May 2025 suggested a Palestinian civilian death rate of 83%.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • O’Rourke and double bassist Johan Berthling shape a steady drone, while Ishibashi’s piano runs suggest time-lapse footage of ice crystals forming, ordinary little bits cohering into objects of wonder.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of suggest
Verb
  • Whatever caused the problem is particularly puzzling, given that the speakers use the same wireless connection whether attached or detached.
    — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Overrun with puzzling plot points, several cameos and a bloated supporting cast, the series fails to stick the landing.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of puzzle
Noun
  • At the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, curator John Fields has built a renowned space for visual art, attracting a kaleidoscope of artists and shows over the course of his 12-year tenure.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Social media and the rise of influencers transformed the streets outside the shows into a stage of their own.
    — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of show
Verb
  • Owners also proposed the Division Series, which has been a best-of-five since its introduction in 1995, to be a best-of-seven, but with a wild twist.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The league did not propose changing the number of playoff teams from the current 12.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of propose
Verb
  • Dealing with the British, his Tenzing is scrupulous and honorable, but don’t confuse that with subservience.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Decoys, which carry no explosives, help confuse Russian air defenses and force them to waste ammunition.
    — Jarrett Ley, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of confuse
Noun
  • The story centers on a transfer student’s enigmatic bond with a teacher, as a string of unexplained, supernatural incidents cracks the school’s polished facade.
    — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • As Ray goes down the rabbit hole, the shiny facade of Metropia and Megamax (which is, notably and obviously evil from the start) begin to crumble.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of facade
Verb
  • The company also offers add-ons like external paddleboard carriers and full-length overland roof racks.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Back before season one started, Dale Washberg came into Hoot Owl Books and offered Lee a Jim Thompson quote to jibe with his preferred job title — truthstorian.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of offer
Verb
  • Beyond being frustrated with the secrecy, locals said they were baffled by the lack of specifics and clarity the stakeholders had about the project, per the records.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • And just last month, officials in Millcreek, Utah, were baffled to find an unknown camera installed on city property that neither the city nor police requested.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of baffle

Phrases Containing pose

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pose
pose (as)
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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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