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

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

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
If the phone is set up here, where is the best place to stand and pose? Cody Godwin, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026 But recent years have posed a new challenge for Lee — and for many of the 700 or so southern Idaho sugar beet farmers like him. Sarah Cutler march 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
Although attendees can strike a pose on the red carpet and its livestream, hosted by internet darlings Quenlin Blackwell, Jake Shane, and Brittany Broski. Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026 The financing is due to launch at a time of macro-volatility, amid a spiraling conflict in the Middle East and mounting investor anxiety over the threat artificial intelligence poses to existing business models. Claire Ruckin, Bloomberg, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Noun
  • Ahead of the show’s final season premiere, The Times spoke with Balfe and Heughan to get their thoughts on bringing the historical romance to life and the journey to reach the final chapter.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The show's network, CBS, announced in July that the upcoming season would be the franchise's last.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The façade recalls traditional earthen walls and is studded with tile fragments and artifacts unearthed during construction.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
  • While this might create a show-stopping facade, bigger isn’t always better.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Emma Roberts has tested nearly every possible blonde, and this bright, warm oatmeal suits her complexion while honoring the old money trend in personalized guise.
    Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
  • This moment will come in many guises.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This shocking cowardice and sheer abandonment of any pretense of ethics or values are rendered even more shameful when considering that Noem was brought down by polls, likely more than anything else.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
  • What is beauty if not precisely the property that provokes us to abandon all pretense of analytic remove in our desperation to draw closer?
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Emirati authorities have warned Iranian officials that such a move was under consideration, the newspaper said, citing people familiar with the discussions, although no decision on whether, or when, to act has been reached.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The government insists the case has nothing to do with a free press, saying the defendants used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed China and Hong Kong.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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