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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
Rugged terrain continues to pose a challenge for fire crews trying to access steep mountainous areas. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024 Local New Jersey lawmakers have expressed concern over how safe people really are, a contrast to federal and state officials who have said residents should remain calm and the drones pose no threats. Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 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
  • Anderson, who spent five years on the show, famously performed slow-motion running sequences in the red suit, cementing her place in pop culture history.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The show, which costarred Michael Cole and Clarence Williams III and ran for five seasons, earned Lipton four Emmy nominations and the 1971 Golden Globe for best actress in a television drama.
    Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • To Look Out For Behind the anthropomorphized facade, what appears as reasoning in AI agents is actually sophisticated pattern matching combined with programmed responses.
    Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The real human being behind the facade of America's sweetheart baddie is my most kind, genuine, hilarious, loving friend.
    EW.com, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Enough Pep for Most of Us There’s no point denying it: the Bronco Sport is less powerful than its bigger sibling, which, in its Raptor guise, makes 418 hp and 440 ft lbs of torque.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024
  • To elude law enforcement, the thieves have adopted the guise of delivery personnel, according to authorities.
    Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 27 Nov. 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
  • The independence in both men got them to their electoral fates essentially as solo acts.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
  • It’s most effectively rendered in the second act’s rumble — a stark, visceral, and surprising set piece that uses rain and strobe lighting and leaves both cast and audience breathless.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near pose

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

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