AIR Synonyms: 189 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'air' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of air are affectation , airs , mannerism , and pose . While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life. // a traveler's sophisticated air

Q: In what contexts can 'affectation' take the place of 'air'?

The words affectation and air can be used in similar contexts, but affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere. // the posh accent is an affectation

Q: When would 'airs' be a good substitute for 'air'?

While in some cases nearly identical to air , airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness. // snobbish airs

Q: When is 'mannerism' a more appropriate choice than 'air'?

While the synonyms mannerism and air are close in meaning, mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit. // gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

Q: When could 'pose' be used to replace 'air'?

In some situations, the words pose and air are roughly equivalent. However, pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others. // her shyness was just a pose

air 1 of 2

noun

ˈer

Definition of air next

as in melody

a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect played a lively air on his fiddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in breeze

a slight or gentle movement of air we sailed into the bay on a light air and just in time to enjoy a spectacular sunset

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

calm

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something Naomi's the only person I know who can wear old jeans and a T-shirt with an air of elegance

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in act

airs plural a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive ever since she joined the country club she's been putting on airs of being too "high society" for us ordinary folks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

air

2 of 2

verb

as in to voice

to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) suggested we air any complaints about the seating arrangements to the person who actually planned the event

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun air contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of air are affectation, airs, mannerism, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

In what contexts can affectation take the place of air?

The words affectation and air can be used in similar contexts, but affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

When would airs be a good substitute for air?

While in some cases nearly identical to air, airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

When is mannerism a more appropriate choice than air?

While the synonyms mannerism and air are close in meaning, mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When could pose be used to replace air?

In some situations, the words pose and air are roughly equivalent. However, pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

her shyness was just a pose

Examples 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 air

Noun

South Korea probes jet crash that killed 179 As investigators worked to identify victims and find out what caused the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil, acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country's entire airline operation. —

Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024 Saturday Night Live airs Sundays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC. —

Raven Brunner, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Verb

On Wednesday night, Gavin & Stacey aired its final episode on the BBC. —

Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Dec. 2024 Landman, which stars Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore, is another Sheridan creation airing on Paramount Network. —

Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for air

Recent Examples of Synonyms for air

Noun

Moroney joined in on a following chorus, singing the melody while McRae took a lower harmony.

Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Perhaps that’s because Leontovych composed his signature melody as war and revolution threatened in Europe.

Howard LaFranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Dec. 2024