pose 1 of 3

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

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
Choline supplements are also available if meeting choline needs via your diet poses a challenge. Lauren Manaker, SELF, 5 Mar. 2026 Higher energy prices could stoke inflation, complicating the outlook for the Federal Reserve and posing trouble for stocks. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
The townspeople perform a celebratory dance with the tailors, and the ballet ends with the boy jumping onto their shoulders in a triumphant pose. Jennifer Homans, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 The subjects appear to offer their likenesses without reserving an ounce of modesty; confidence and audacity steel their faces and poses. Bryan Barcena, Artforum, 1 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 hotel was knocked down in 2005 to make way for the Las Olas Beach Club condo, but the facade was preserved thanks to intervention by historic preservationists.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Though the building’s façade still retains its iconic scalloped awning, the logo has been replaced with that of a high-end menswear store.
    Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The government insisted his case had nothing to do with press freedom, saying the defendants used journalism as a guise to commit acts that harmed Hong Kong and China.
    Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Both marques returned to the competition this year in new guises.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That exchange — brief, respectful, zero pretense — is part of what makes the content feel different from a standard celebrity interview.
    Ryan Brennan March 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026
  • There was little pretense at closing time on Tuesday night, when the Milwaukee Bucks set about closing out the Miami Heat.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The band still tours regularly and — unlike many ‘80s acts — boasts most of its original members (minus drummer and former lover Jon Moss).
    Blair R. Fischer, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
  • After the news broke Thursday that Paramount had outbid Netflix for the legacy studio, the WGA East and West weighed in via a joint statement on Friday, once again condemning any act of corporate consolidation.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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