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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
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 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Noun
  • The case out of Dedham, Massachusetts has turned into a years-long whodunnit legal saga that has garnered massive intrigue from true-crime fans across the country, spurring an array of podcasts, movies, and television shows.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • During the early seasons of the show, Michele was rumored to be feuding with the late Naya Rivera (who died of accidental drowning in 2020).
    EW.com, EW.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Late on Thursday, Dolton Village Trustee Stanley Brown took in the church’s facade from beneath his black cap.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • While this might create a show-stopping facade, bigger isn’t always better.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Alpine, which is owned by Renault and has won four world titles in its previous guises as Benetton and Renault, has undergone a period of significant staff and management upheaval since Szafnauer’s departure.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Cybercriminals Cyber threat opportunism takes many guises, from ransomware actors leveraging media interest in Elon Musk and DOGE to launch a trillion-dollar attack, to physical attackers using shoulder-surfing techniques to steal your phone and access the data contained within.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the source material, Dina’s pregnancy is used as an excuse to leave her behind in the theatre, pitting players as Ellie alone, who can set aside any pretenses of the journey being anything more than a revenge mission without her partner’s safety to worry about.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
  • Republicans who fall for this scheme are abandoning any pretense of free-market principles.
    Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Balancing family and business is often framed as an impossible juggling act—one where something always has to give.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Brought in as a response to 66 fans losing their lives in a crush at Ibrox four years earlier, the act (known as the Green Guide) introduced a compulsory licensing system for grounds in the top two divisions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

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