1
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
2
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
3
as in pretending
to present a false appearance of
put on a show of anger just for fun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of putting on
Chicago blues legend Muddy Waters' birthday is Saturday, and in his memory his eldest son is putting on a concert in Chicago.
—
Zak Spector, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The cherry blossoms are opening & putting on a splendid spring spectacle.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Real America’s Music is putting on a show.
—Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
On his proper introduction, Nett seems keen to fashion himself in the mold of new-wave rage stars like Che and Osamason, burning his low-end to a crisp and putting on his best Keef squeak.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
Which was why, at the very end, when Gordon tuned in on the wireless to a dance band and Robert was supposed to waltz Olwyn about the room, Stella had no patience with St Ives’s reaction to Geoffrey’s ten-second delay in putting on the gramophone record.
—Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
Slipping into this two-piece set is basically the equivalent of putting on your favorite pair of silky, soft pajamas.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
With no public transport to get fans all the way back to Manchester after the match, the club are putting on free coaches for supporters.
—Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Based on what brands are putting on screen this year, that investment shows up in different ways.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Zak Spector, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The cherry blossoms are opening & putting on a splendid spring spectacle.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Real America’s Music is putting on a show.
—Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
On his proper introduction, Nett seems keen to fashion himself in the mold of new-wave rage stars like Che and Osamason, burning his low-end to a crisp and putting on his best Keef squeak.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
Which was why, at the very end, when Gordon tuned in on the wireless to a dance band and Robert was supposed to waltz Olwyn about the room, Stella had no patience with St Ives’s reaction to Geoffrey’s ten-second delay in putting on the gramophone record.
—Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
Slipping into this two-piece set is basically the equivalent of putting on your favorite pair of silky, soft pajamas.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
With no public transport to get fans all the way back to Manchester after the match, the club are putting on free coaches for supporters.
—Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Based on what brands are putting on screen this year, that investment shows up in different ways.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for putting on
Verb
-
Analysts note that the Russia Defense ministry has a habit of exaggerating advances when the frontlines are scarcely changing.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Bosco’s attorneys argue Shaw was exaggerating the situation.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
After the shot missed wildly, mascots rushed the floor pretending the deep 3-pointer went through the net.—
Bennett Conlin,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Dayle’s satirical novel follows a white flag-bearer pretending to be a Black soldier during the Civil War.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Pope Leo broke Vatican protocol by donning a White Sox cap last year.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
In the film’s short teaser, Cruise — donning an Ethan Hunt-esque hair and makeup transformation — moves balletically while carrying a shovel.—
Audience Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The first modern computers used analog systems, which were especially useful for solving problems and simulating dynamic systems in real time.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
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Finance can also use AI to improve forecasting—and to develop predictive forecasts—not only by generating new scenarios but simulating them, too, Mittal says.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But rather that sometimes, particularly with adult-child conflicts, the adult has to be very intentional about trying their best and assuming the best of the child.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The team went into filming Company Retreat assuming the process would be easier than season one.—
Angelina Mazza,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Putting on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putting%20on. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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