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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 said, since Steal a Brainrot lives on a platform that may pose dangers to kids, parents should stay alert. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025 Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs said in a statement the US move could pose uncertainty for TSMC’s China operations. John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Child’s Pose This classic yoga pose helps gently lengthen several areas at once, including the neck, back, shoulders, hips, and ankles. Jenny McCoy, Outside, 31 Aug. 2025 Engagement photographers are probably studying the poses to mimic. Bryan West, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Noun
  • As fans scramble to catch the ball, footage shows, the ball appears to land one row in front of a woman while a man runs over and grabs it.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Following the show's cancellation, Gosselaar landed several leading roles on series such as Pitch (2016), The Passage (2019), and Mixed-ish (2019–2021).
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Yet, for some, their luxury vacations are all a facade.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Film Festival, shows the private turmoil behind the comedian’s affable facade.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As good as the car looks, especially in its open-top Volante guise, the real story can be found underneath its hood.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Now, palladium in a jar connected to nuclear fusion is being revived but in a different guise.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But not everyone accepts that pretense.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
  • But the Jiménezes’ work does not carry the pretense of purity.
    Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • That brief three-month double act between an executive chairman and a CEO is now over.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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