PUTTING ON Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

putting on

verb

Definition of putting on next

present participle of put on

as in throwing (on)

to place on one's person I put on a coat and shoes to go outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exaggerating

to describe or express in too strong terms some critics are putting it on when they say it's the best comedy ever made

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pretending

to present a false appearance of put on a show of anger just for fun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 putting on James also suggests applying some hair spray before putting on any warm headwear to keep flyaways in place. —

Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 29 Jan. 2026 Depending on how your body responds, that could manifest as either shedding or putting on pounds. —

Caroline Tien, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026 Each residence is just steps away from the beach, so close that putting on shoes would be foolish. —

Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 But certain trees are still putting on a show with their beautiful evergreen foliage, raising the question of whether winter watering is necessary. —

Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026 Yes, even when putting on gloves, hands should be washed first. —

David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 Liam has spoken extensively about putting on the black leathers, contacts and the wig and that process of not becoming yourself. —

Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025 Indivisible is putting on No Kings with organizations including the ACLU, 50501, Planned Parenthood, the Sunrise Movement and various labor unions. —

Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2025 Luca has a version American Psycho lined up, with Austin Butler reportedly putting on Patrick Bateman’s see-through raincoat. —

Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for putting on

Verb

Allegations that are now spreading online could be misinterpreting records or exaggerating minor issues — or could be exposing actual fraudulent activity.

— Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Studies have found that companies tend to buy cheap, low-quality carbon credits, which run a risk of exaggerating their carbon reduction claims or providing results that would have happened anyway, leaving no real climate benefit.

— Brian P. McCullough, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025