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 two-time Oscar nominee also posed with her husband Richard Burke. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 One of the pictures in the post served as his hard-launch with girlfriend Morris—the snap shows the couple posing side by side. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 May 2026
Noun
But the unresolved questions about the risks AI poses for job losses, mental health issues and even humanity’s extinction served as a backdrop for the proceedings, with protesters decrying both Musk and Altman becoming a regular presence outside the federal courthouse. ABC News, 18 May 2026 However, with their perpetual pose of undeserved victimhood, Zionists were boring first. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Verb
  • The results track with other recent independent polls that suggested Democrats were coalescing around Becerra, a former California Attorney General, and Republicans around Hilton, a former senior advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron who moved to California in 2012.
    John Woolfolk, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
  • Since the light from each of those took different paths to Earth, and thus different amounts of time, this suggests there have been variations in QSO1’s emissions—consistent with a black hole feeding on different amounts of material over time.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Two experts said they were puzzled by the release records.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 30 May 2026
  • Tim Ream is looking at you, puzzled.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Since then, Catwoman has appeared in various movies and on TV shows, including Matt Reeves' The Batman in 2022, where Zoë Kravitz took on the part.
    Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • The relationship between the two of them was always at the heart of the of the show.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The alternative proposed here is digital distribution.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026
  • Posadas proposes expanding the reproductive justice framework to include not just having kids but participating in all the care tasks needed to sustain human society.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • And then beyond that, there’s Hackney Wick, which is not to be confused with traditional Hackney, also on the canal, filled with very cool community initiatives.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 May 2026
  • Because of their similar flowers, this plant is sometimes confused with bigleaf hydrangea.
    Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • David Nikel External work on the central tower has reached a major milestone, though work on other parts of the basilica, including the Glory façade, is expected to continue for years.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • Police and fire personnel were called to the gym on South Bowen Road and Park Row Drive in Pantego, where a sign blew off the building along with the front facade of the building.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • Breslow offered some insight into that deal and his process with trades more generally.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • The plethora of attacking talent PSG possesses far outweighs anything Arsenal has to offer, on paper at least.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • While some were baffled by the posts amid Bear’s claims, others pointed out the ability to schedule posts, depending on the type of account.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
  • In another excerpt from View from the East Wing, she is similarly baffled.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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