pose 1 of 3

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
The report did note that moderate drinking could pose a higher risk for breast cancer in women. Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 The Supreme Court’s decision will pose a significant obstacle for legal challenges to the mounting restrictions being placed on gender-affirming care across the country. Solcyré Burga, Time, 18 June 2025
Noun
The photo shows Carpenter, dressed in a black dress and high heels, kneeling on the ground in a dog-like pose while an unidentified individual stands off to the side and pulls her by the hair. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 12 June 2025 With a guitarist by her side doing little else than striking the poses of bygone hair-metal pretenders, SZA sang from her knees and brought back ‘80s pop rock. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Noun
  • Nationwide, more than 145 people have been hospitalized with measles so far this year, federal data show, and many of those hospitalized have needed intensive care.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • Almost 205,000 Hispanics live in Mecklenburg, the data shows, or about 58% of the region’s population of Latinos.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Inspired by the lines and craftsmanship of the original arcades, its bold geometric facade and sweeping interiors host a John Lewis department store, serving as a modern counterpart to the grandeur of its Victorian neighbor.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Prioritize window placement early by considering exterior style, symmetry, and scale to ensure the facade feels balanced and visually pleasing.
    Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • What’s uncontested is that evolution in any guise has surprises in store.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2025
  • Many of Mulaney’s friends — including Kroll, Seth Meyers and others from Mulaney’s inner circle — convinced him to come under the guise of a college friend’s dinner.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Theft by false pretense: Someone contacted a Saratoga resident claiming to work for Kaiser Hospital and the Chinese police.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 17 June 2025
  • World & Nation Sean Combs’ inner circle reveals a world of guns, abuse, kidnapping and death threats May 28, 2025 The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Yet a war with Iran may be enough to seemingly legitimize his use of the act.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
  • Of all the acts, though, Sudanese American vocalist Dua Saleh was the most subdued, swaying between heart-fluttering falsettos and cunning raps.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!