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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

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 pose
Verb
Concerns about national security risks posed by foreign ownership of land near sensitive locations have grown in recent years, particularly regarding countries such as China and Russia. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024 Insurance-giants dropped coverage in danger zones and warned about the growing challenge posed by climate change. Justin Worland, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
The day, according to the clips, was filled with laughter and joy as the GMA family struck a pose. Dave Quinn, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024 Own the room with power poses and purposeful movement. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pose 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Noun
  • Set ten years after Fallout 4, the show explores the wasteland of Los Angeles.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
  • In an episode stuffed with huge stars, leave it to McCarthy to give the show its most GIFable and potentially viral moment.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The round arches were repeated on the main facade around entrances and in the panel surrounding the stained glass rose window.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024
  • That red brick facade and handsome shutters hold timeless charm, but the city condo has even more delights inside.
    Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • In each portrait the artist assumes the guise of an actor or entertainer, gazing into the camera with a pleased expression or a toothy smile.
    Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Combat, a rare low point of the original, returns in a newly scrappy guise: Each swing, dodge, and pull of the trigger is a moment of high-octane drama in itself.
    Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Under the pretense of protecting her family, Emilia sends her wife, Jessi (Gomez), and their children to Switzerland.
    Robert Lang, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024
  • When Avril moves in with a woman, resorting for a while to the pretense of separate bedrooms, this upheaval in their lives is barely mentioned.
    Charles McGrath, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Prosecutors have described the murder as an act of terrorism, noting a notebook found on Mangione expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • After a decade as openers for regional musical acts, and only gradually incorporating often crass comedy into their act, Williams and Ree moved to Los Angeles and became regulars at the Comedy Store during the late 1970s.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near pose

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

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