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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

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
Practical concerns also pose significant challenges to implementing sound money today. Sanford Mann, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 But the earliest reference of this both specific and general inquiry dates back to a 2020 Reddit post, where a user posed the same question in the r/whowouldwin subreddit, a forum home to random hypothetical discussions on a variety of topics. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Noun
Children and teens in red capes and superhero poses on brightly-colored flyers and pamphlets are making their way to families at resource fairs and special events scheduled throughout Lake County this month. Yadira Sanchez Olson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025 Look closely at the faces, gazes, poses, and hand positions of each of Sherald’s subjects, and how some interact with landscapes and play with scale and perception. Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Noun
  • The Guardian newspaper reports that the former Doctor Who star – who appeared in the 2005 film adaptation of Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – gave his opinion of Rowling in answer to questions posed by a group of neurodivergent young adults in ITV’s show The Assembly.
    Caroline Frost, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Interest in the case has swept the country since then, spurring an array of true crime podcasts, movies, television shows and a host of supporters for both Read and O’Keefe.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a tumble of XXL petals on the facade of this nine-level, 40,000-square-foot building, which since November has been home to 180 employees, including an eight-strong prototyping team.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The winds also pried off chunks of buildings’ facades.
    Amal Elawady, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Cybercriminals Cyber threat opportunism takes many guises, from ransomware actors leveraging media interest in Elon Musk and DOGE to launch a trillion-dollar attack, to physical attackers using shoulder-surfing techniques to steal your phone and access the data contained within.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Leavitt uses the individual stories to showcase Ukrainian resilience and resistance—themes that appear in many guises, including grassroots relief efforts.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Although algorithmic favoritism had long been suspected across platforms, Musk’s unapologetic approach dispensed with the pretense of neutrality that tech companies had carefully maintained.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Black and brown Californians angered at attempts to erase history, legacy and achievement under pretense of eliminating diversity and equity initiatives.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • State law enforcement agencies wanting to participate in the program must enter into memorandums of agreement with ICE, according to the act, before participating in the program.
    Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Keenan and his Tool bandmates are one of the many acts scheduled to appear at the Back to the Beginning concert, which takes place in Birmingham, England on July 5.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

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