pose 1 of 3

Definition of posenext

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
The museum’s statement does not indicate that there will be any public release of the report or any forum for members of the community to respond to the statement and pose questions. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 19 May 2026 The company's success, and products like its Lakehouse database, pose a threat to incumbents in the enterprise space, including Oracle. Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 19 May 2026
Noun
Murphy, along with Monteith, Lynch, Morrison, Michele and Colfer, struck a pose in their best black tie attire for Inside the Actors Studios in 2011. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026 But Jones, who says the pose came about organically, and others agreed the similarities were likely a coincidence. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Verb
  • Instead, Huxley suggests that all of the characters except Propter are suffering from various delusions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • Some draft analysts suggested Freeling could use some seasoning after starting just 17 games at Georgia.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • Stephen Colbert is departing late night television as a ratings powerhouse, leaving industry observers puzzled by his exit despite his consistent viewership dominance.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • The ways of the whites puzzled the Indians.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Each game was introduced with a clip from the show that fits it perfectly, starting with the Colts' Week 1 date with the Baltimore Ravens.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Now, viewers for dramas, comedies and reality shows are harder to come by, because people now have the leeway to watch their favorites at any moment of their own choosing.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Trump has proposed a temporary suspension of the gas tax to help offset consumer strain.
    Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
  • In 1994 theoretical computer scientist Peter Shor, now at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, proposed that a hypothetical quantum computer could use this property to crack RSA encryption.
    Zeeya Merali, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Winners are chosen by a mix of votes from the two, translated into points by a system confusing even to Eurovision fans.
    Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
  • Cassidy complained Friday that the new primary system enacted last year was confusing voters by requiring them to ask for a partisan ballot instead of the previous all-party primary that had been in place.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Behind a red brick facade complemented by dark green shutters and a matching front door, the home spans about 5,200 square feet across three stories.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 19 May 2026
  • Glittering with the Edwardian charm of its grand façade at one of London’s great addresses—140 Park Lane—London Marriott Hotel Park Lane offers plush stays for low‑key business travelers who put a premium on privacy, set opposite a leafy corner of Hyde Park.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Accessibility All public areas are thoughtfully designed for accessibility, and staff offer guidance without fanfare.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
  • Bode makes an impromptu decision to offer up his father's ring, which he's been wearing on a chain around his neck.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • The senior author of that study seemed as baffled by official reassurances as she, Tufekci added.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
  • Offspinner Mehidy Hasan, however, produced an arm-ball to baffle Awais, who made 15 following his 103 in the first innings.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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