POSE Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pose 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈpōz

Definition of pose next

as in to suggest

to set before the mind for consideration posed an interesting question for the visiting astronomer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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pose

2 of 3

verb (2)

as in to puzzle

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty utterly posed by the barrage of questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pose

3 of 3

noun

as in show

a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive my cheerfulness was just a pose, for I was feeling miserable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Why Active Directory Has Such A Significant Business Impact AD breaches and outages pose significant risks for disrupting operations, finances, and reputations across industries. —

Robert Kramer, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 Wicker posed a question before the committee, saying senators should ask whether the Pentagon's civilian leadership has proven up to the challenge in the past. —

Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2025

Noun

And keep Kelex in your thoughts and prayers as Superman is shown cradling the beloved robot on the ground in the Fortress of Solitude in a pose that never means anything good. —

Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024 Aside from the new regulatory regime that the CTA poses—which Trump would likely oppose as a businessman—the law was enacted as part of the 2021 Defense Department annual authorization bill, which Trump vetoed in his last weeks of his first term. —

Megan Poinski, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose

Noun

How ‘Wicked’ Changed the Lives of Its Stars: Only the women who’ve played Elphaba and Glinda in the show’s two decades onstage understand why the roles are so taxing — and so rewarding, too.

Benjamin Malapris, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Godfrey’s show will be helmed at Chicago Shakespeare by its original young director, Ellie Coote, presumably with an eye on the 2025-26 Broadway season.

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

Definition of show

Cite this Entry

Style

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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Last Updated: 18 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of pose

verb (1)

verb (2)

noun

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Examples Sentences

Thesaurus Entries Near pose

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