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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
While staff shortages pose an enormous challenge, school districts remain legally obligated–regardless of resources—to educate students with disabilities. Emily Harvey, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024 The picture showed the new couple posing together for a festive pic. Angel Saunders, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
This unique kit includes seven wooden cubes, one for each chakra, with images of different poses on each side. Malia Griggs, SELF, 18 Oct. 2024 At her third and final Eras Tour Caesars Superdome gig, Swift followed up the pose by seemingly hinting at a potential three-peat Super Bowl win for the Chiefs, kissing her three middle fingers before holding them up in the air. Becca Longmire, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pose 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
Noun
  • That includes shows in Denver at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 (at Ball Arena) and Colorado Springs, Sunday, Nov. 17 (Broadmoor World Arena).
    John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
  • At the Arrowverse’s peak, with multiple shows on the air, DC Superhero series could take on this immediacy, without the self-consciousness of having to sell audiences on superhero shows.
    Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The symbols showed images of fringed textiles and vessels being carried in nets, many of which are moving toward building facades.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The concept of the new boutique is defined by a bright facade bathed in backlight, with crisscrossing lines creating green triangular shapes that echo the brand’s classic logo.
    Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Rio uses her own guise of Federal Agent Vidal to get close to Agatha in order to break the hex.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 19 Sep. 2024
  • In a movie about trash people hurting one another because of horny, Jerry is arguably the cruelest, wrapping his manipulative, coercive behavior inside the guise of artistic malaise and sensitivity.
    Sean Malin, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024
Noun
  • But in his youth lies the reason for anonymity and pretense, Hoback claims.
    Joel Khalili, WIRED, 22 Oct. 2024
  • Liberals, apparently, got up close to voters under the pretense of handing out food and water.
    Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • That balancing act has forced Starbucks to cut back on niche menu items like the olive-oil infused Oleato drinks, focusing instead on popular staples like its Refreshers, which have gained popularity among younger customers.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
  • For me, the act of hunting itself is less of the draw.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near pose

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

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