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pose

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verb (2)

pose

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noun

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
That poses a challenge in regions that have long stretches with low wind and sunlight, stressing power grids fed by renewable sources. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 30 June 2025 This trend aligns with the broader moderation movement, posing a potential risk to alcohol companies. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Noun
This dual dynamic poses fascinating strategic implications. Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 In Black Suzy, fine black thread outlines the figure of a woman in a pose that resists passive representation. Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Noun
  • That’s certainly rare — especially when the show has been this successful.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
  • Watch it here: Stream your favorite shows, the biggest blockbusters and more.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Inspired by the lines and craftsmanship of the original arcades, its bold geometric facade and sweeping interiors host a John Lewis department store, serving as a modern counterpart to the grandeur of its Victorian neighbor.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Prioritize window placement early by considering exterior style, symmetry, and scale to ensure the facade feels balanced and visually pleasing.
    Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The addition of countries such as Egypt and Ethiopia has meant that BRICS has increasingly taken on the guise of the Global South forum.
    Jorge Heine, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
  • Purified and reclaimed, these guises can take their place next to the other parts of her ever-expanding self-myth.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured two of the women under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025
  • Theft by false pretenses: A Saratoga resident said someone convinced them to sign a property deed in lieu of foreclosure to avoid filing for bankruptcy.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
    Time, Time, 9 July 2025
  • But certainly those acts got a little bit more attention, which probably did help them.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

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