pose 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈpōz How to pronounce pose (audio)
Definition of posenext
as in to suggest
to set before the mind for consideration posed an interesting question for the visiting astronomer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Authorities have vowed to step up measures to minimize and thwart the threat posed by drones. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025 The four-person Clay County prosecutor team presented nearly 30 videos from Rocha’s cellphone of him posing with guns, shooting guns while driving, and 3-D printing gun frames and components. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
The 10-foot tribute to the late rock legend, located not too far from Nutbush, features the singer striking a familiar pose — all big hair, short skirt and microphone in hand. —Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 The pose recalls the odalisque, though the tone is godlike detachment, presiding over a catastrophic wreck. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
  1. show
  2. facade
  3. guise
  4. pretense
  5. act
Noun
  • The show was marred only by an audio mix that dimmed Coleman’s evocative voice amid a wash of instruments — at least from this reviewer’s spot in the Fox — but the Red Clay Strays’ impact shone through nevertheless.
    — Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The show gave local independent musicians exposure on its soundtrack, increased the popularity of venues like The Bluebird Cafe, inspired cast tours and years later, sparked reunion tours.
    — Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
Definition of show
Noun
  • Every groove of San Siro’s concrete facade tells a different story.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Choose from Bat Knit Crazy Cheddar, Death by Garlic Black Garlic Cheddar, Freaky Franken Sage Derby, or Scary Pumpkin Spice Wensleydale for high-quality cheeses that are only spooky in façade.
    — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
Definition of facade
Noun
  • The cases range from political agitators seeking to intimidate immigrants to others using the guise of authority to allegedly kidnap, rob or assault victims.
    — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Also bear in mind that while these benchmark results above outline one optimal implementation of the X2 family, that won’t be the only guise that these chips show up in, by far.
    — Wendy Sheehan Donnell, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
Definition of guise
Noun
  • Multiple Democrats say Vought and the president were determined to use the shutdown as a pretense for inflicting further pain on political opponents.
    — Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Composer Deantoni Parks’s score sustains and amplifies the tension, heightening the creeping pretense of water rushing forward and the punishing breathlessness of struggling back upstream.
    — Anne Reeve, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • The act requires virtual currency kiosk operators to register with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, provide reports detailing all kiosk locations, and provide full refunds to new customers who are victims of scams at kiosks.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Victims should document evidence, prioritize safety and report incidents promptly, even if unsure whether the act constitutes a crime, officials said.
    — Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of act

Phrases Containing pose

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ports
pose
pose (as)
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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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