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
But lurking in the grasslands and forest clearings of at least two southeastern counties is a scaly intruder that state wildlife officials say poses a serious threat to native animals and crops alike. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 4 June 2026 While at the premiere, Faris and Jack also posed for a sweet family photo with Faris' husband, cinematographer Michael Barrett, and his children, Dashiell Barrett and Margot Barrett. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Noun
That was largely paid for by Richards who, in his off-hours from the Eternal Values cult, had become the top male model in the world, posing alongside Cindy Crawford and Fabio, and striking poses all over America and Europe. Marlow Stern, Variety, 1 June 2026 And what made the clip even more jarring to the average eye is that Sweeney was in a suggestive pose at the time. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Verb
  • The latest exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran suggests that a deal may yet be some way off.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • The document suggests that Patriot Front is increasingly seeking to appeal to these groups and forge alliances with them.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 4 June 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
  • On a year-to-date basis, the rupee has fallen by more than 6%, LSEG data shows.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 5 June 2026
  • The show is still using some of those songs, giving the score’s relationship to the script a half-in, half-out near-jukebox feeling.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • According to the statement, Xcel has identified resource adequacy as a growing concern for several years and has proposed multiple solutions, including a near-term procurement plan designed to add 3,800 megawatts of new generation capacity.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 2 June 2026
  • Since its launch on April 27, more than 3,600 AI data centers have been cataloged on Brockovich's interactive map, which allows users to see operational facilities, those under construction and those that have been proposed.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 June 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
  • The owner, Kenneth Howell has been locked in an acrimonious battle with the city of Boise for years, after Boise staff raised concerns over temporary shoring posts bowing under the building’s weight and a crumbling facade, among other safety issues staff highlighted.
    Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2026
  • The record of my thinking is right there in the open, teaching me tolerance for my fumbling, training me not to hide my struggle behind a seamless façade of digital perfection.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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