Definition of posenext

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 couple posed at the Peacock Theater venue with two of their kids, as well as with Grohl’s former Nirvana bandmates and their families. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026 But some experts say AI agents pose real risks that could give many online service providers some pause before allowing agents to use their platforms. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
Giudice struck a few poses for the camera before blowing a kiss to wrap the clip. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026 The statue's pose was inspired by a photo of Brooks at his 50th wedding anniversary and vow renewal with his wife, Vernadine Brooks, in the late 1990s. — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Verb
  • Does the emphasis in this summer’s shows on Lee’s painting suggest a new phase in the reception of his work—situating him, perhaps, in greater proximity to Korean dansaekhwa painting than to the School of Things?
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This may be true, but there is also the chance that the result is based on incomplete data, and the finding is much less definitive than the AI may suggest.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • While there were reasons for this morning's move higher, this afternoon's bond selloff is puzzling.
    — Diana Olick, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
  • These early proponents of quantum biology sought explanations for the puzzling properties of life at the classical scale in the counterintuitive laws of physics at the quantum scale.
    — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • For his first resort show since being named creative director of Chanel in 2024, Blazy chose Biarritz, another French coastal town with historic ties to the label’s founder.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Madonna performed for the first time in 23 years at the MTV VMAs on Sunday, opening the show by bringing out special guests Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx to perform their respective duets.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Now suppose the group of 300 proposes its own three-person slate.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Incredible influence can be bought for just a few tens of millions of dollars, and members of the Forbes 400 would still easily retain tens of millions of dollars even after the levels of wealth taxation that have been proposed.
    — Jeff Hoopes, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Enjoy the encouragement, but do not confuse applause with commitment.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
  • If an employee wants clarity, it shouldn’t automatically be confused with hand-holding.
    — Jeff LeBlanc, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Lourdes Bishop Jean-Marc Micas in 2025 decided to cover the facade of the Notre Dame du Rosaire Basilica, reasoning that abuse victims who come to Lourdes for healing shouldn’t be forced to see them.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Lourdes Bishop Jean-Marc Micas in 2025 decided cover the façade of the Notre Dame du Rosaire Basilica, reasoning that abuse victims who come to Lourdes for healing shouldn’t be forced to see them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Its Crafting Academy offers training in five areas and 35 skills.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Of course, the pair of two-bedroom penthouses offer the best of both worlds, each with a 38-foot-long infinity pool that bleeds into the seascape dotted with surfers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Her home isn’t in the highway’s path, but she was still baffled by council’s decision.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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