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

Reviewers point out that this set is easy to clean, and the air tight lids keep things fresh for longer. —

Melissa Epifano, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025 The lame duck Biden administration on Thursday announced another $500 million aid package, including air defense missiles, air-to-ground munitions and support equipment for F-16 fighter jets. —

Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025

Verb

During the interview, which will air on a podcast this coming week, Pence also discussed Trump’s Cabinet nominees. —

Zach Halaschak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Jan. 2025 With The Atlantic is a partnership between NewsHour Productions, WETA, and The Atlantic airing every Friday on PBS stations nationwide. —

The Editors, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for air

Recent Examples of Synonyms for air

Noun

This album is sure to showcase her unique mix of heartfelt storytelling and soulful melodies that fans have come to love.

SPIN Contributor, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025
The Wild Robot is a film about the discovery of new emotion, so Bowers, who had his first child months before joining the production, focused on melody, pulling inspiration from John Williams scores like Jurassic Park.

Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025