Synonyms of pose

pose 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈpōz 

as in to suggest

to set before the mind for consideration

posed an interesting question for the visiting astronomer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suggest
• propose
• offer
• present
• recommend
• vote
• put forward
• put forth
• bounce
• submit
• propound
• advance
• proffer
• nominate
• file
• move
• shape
• plan
• trot out
• tender
• arrange
• lay
• plot
• map
• calculate
• cover
• lodge
• chart
• frame
• contrive

pose

2 of 3

verb (2)

as in to puzzle

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty

utterly posed by the barrage of questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• puzzle
• confuse
• baffle
• perplex
• bewilder
• embarrass
• disturb
• bother
• get
• mystify
• rattle
• stun
• vex
• fluster
• confound
• buffalo
• fox
• bemuse
• befuddle
• muddle
• discombobulate
• flummox
• maze
• beat
• muddy
• upset
• blow one's mind
• disorient
• bamboozle
• gravel
• fuddle
• addle
• stick
• stump
• unsettle
• befog
• distress
• go to one's head
• disconcert
• discomfort
• trick
• faze
• mortify
• perturb
• discomfit
• agitate
• deceive
• discountenance
• discompose
• nonplus
• weird out
• abash
• unhinge
• disquiet
• fool
• dismay
• delude
• chagrin
• gull
• mislead
• dupe
• hoax
• take in
• snow
• string along
• beguile
• humbug
• misguide
• hoodwink
• cozen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assure
• satisfy
• inform
• reassure
• enlighten

pose

3 of 3

noun

as in show

a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive

my cheerfulness was just a pose, for I was feeling miserable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• show
• facade
• guise
• pretense
• act
• front
• masquerade
• disguise
• charade
• airs
• semblance
• cloak
• performance
• image
• appearance
• playacting
• portrayal
• pretext
• put-on
• impersonation
• persona
• camouflage
• excuse
• affectation
• deception
• gloss
• fraud
• duplicity
• betrayal
• treason
• color
• dissimulation
• treachery
• deceit
• guile
• double cross
• fakery
• falsity
• falseness
• double-dealing
• dissembling
• perfidy
• faithlessness
• infidelity
• unfaithfulness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sincerity
• frankness
• directness
• candor
• bluntness
• outspokenness
• forthrightness
• candidness
• straightforwardness
• plainspokenness
• naïveté
• genuineness
• artlessness
• openheartedness

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

Recent Examples of pose

Verb

That may threaten nearby water sources and pose risks to humans and other animals who come into contact with the remains. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025

Looking back, Lores says the combination of COVID and tariffs posed the greatest challenges of his tenure to date. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025

Noun

The actress brought her modeling skills to Instagram on Tuesday, striking various poses in straight-off-the-runway strappy pink-and-black pumps from Julie Kegels‘ spring 2026 show. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

Helping the fox is especially urgent, said Good Boy Dog Recovery president Colleen Bell, because the problems the pipe poses will only get worse come winter. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025

Phrases Containing pose

• pose (as)