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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
The question, posed with March Madness looming next week, is how long Duke might be without either player. Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 The proud mom also included a photo of herself and Sterling, posing together and holding hands. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
These surreal figures alternately struck poses or just took a seat to watch the group… or at least watch a television set that was pictured as being stationed right behind the players. Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 Here’s a visual of the pose, along with step-by-step instructions for mastering it. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Noun
  • Those scenes were ultimately cut for space before the show ever started production, so Mazin resurrected the idea for Season 2.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, pastel purple is very much a show stopper in nail design.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One interesting aspect of the design is how the actual back of the stand is glass, with this red brick facade effectively tagged on to provide a lattice effect — meaning those inside the stand will be able to look out on the plaza below.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
  • In 2012, a massive new clock began ticking on the facade of Lambeau Field.
    Brian Hamilton, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, in a former guise this was the first company in China to manufacture automobiles.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • All would come under the guise of respect for local norms.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For more about how to instruct generative AI on doing pretenses, also known as personas, see my discussion at the link here.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • No pretense, just genuine passion for scent and storytelling.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Monkeys were introduced for the 1904 season and a popular touring act called the High Diving Elks, which featured elks trained to jump from heights of more than 20 feet into a water tank.
    Jeremy Drouin, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The American judicial system looks at individuals, parses guilt and innocence, separates leaders from followers and is at pains to ensure no one gets blamed for the acts of others.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

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