Definition of posenext

pose

2 of 3

verb (2)

pose

3 of 3

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
OpenAI faces several lawsuits from state AGs and plaintiff attorneys, taking cues from the social media suits in alleging that the design of ChatGPT can pose risks to children. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026 More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) say capability gaps will pose a bigger challenge than talent shortages, and 78% believe too few people are prepared for how work will be done in the future. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
But his series of expressions and poses are just riotously funny. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026 Current facial recognition systems, originally developed for photographs, can compare faces despite differences in pose, lighting, expression, age, and image quality. — Karen Chernick, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Verb
  • In 2025, Google’s Craig Gidney published research suggesting RSA-2048 could theoretically be factored with fewer than one million noisy physical qubits under specific engineering assumptions, a dramatic reduction from previous estimates.
    — Peter Smulovics, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Virgo August 23 – September 22 Your idea may be more promising than the first attempt suggests.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • While the revolving timelines are certainly intriguing, the bloated cast, utterly confusing storylines and clumsy dialogue make for a painfully puzzling watch.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Left in the dark, his doctors had to puzzle this out on their own.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Although the performance was supposed to be phone-free, video clips of the show were leaked on social media.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • In his memoir, Fagen identified Mort Fega of WEVD and his late-night show, Jazz Unlimited, as a fount of inspiration.
    — Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Fort Worth has proposed, and accepted, deals with tech infrastructure companies that have promised to create hundreds of these high-paying jobs (in addition to other promises for capital investments and buildouts) in exchange for tax incentives.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The mayor proposes the city’s budget, deciding each year whether to patch the current gap or set a longer-term course toward structural stability.
    — Ashley Hartman, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Nearly all of the 70,000-plus fans in attendance — even the half of the stadium that was wearing Denver Broncos orange — were confused.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Neither party should confuse a vote with a lifetime commitment.
    — Jose M. Muñoz, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Three years after his dad’s death, Dane continued to put on a facade — especially when finding out what really happened to his father.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The 14,000-square-foot Dutch Colonial was built in 1928 and has a limestone façade that matches the State Capitol building two blocks away.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The Republican Party has a lot to offer, co-signer and precinct chair Bill Finstad said.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Trump has repeatedly promised to improve healthcare affordability, and el Sayed is offering him a chance to demonstrate that commitment.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The decision, and those simple words, irritated and/or baffled many fans.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The accusation that his village may harbor armed groups, whether Iran-backed or otherwise, baffles him.
    — Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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