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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 of pose in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
  • Many of Jubilee’s shows aren’t afraid to tackle hot-button issues.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The Tony Award-winning Broadway show’s North American tour is hitting Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego and other U.S. cities in the coming weeks and months.
    Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The big picture: The parking structure's new facade is the latest installation of the Art that Excites program that's curating 10 murals in public spaces around downtown Oceanside.
    Kate Murphy, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Albert Hotel feels both modern and luxe, but also authentically-minded, thanks to the limestone facades that echo the town’s 150-year-old historic buildings and culinary offerings that will celebrate local flavors.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In its new guise as an Israeli tanker, signs remain of the aircraft’s past life, a reminder of its age.
    Nic Robertson, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024
  • The sacred role of comedy, the leveled ground of conversation standing under the astute guise of humor is for many the last place left for the difficult conversations to occur.
    Michael Ghannoum, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Oct. 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, however, has a negative impact on drag and makes the already difficult balancing act of finding the right amount of downforce even more complicated.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
  • Trump’s tough-man act did more harm than good degrading relations with key allies in the West and East and diminished U.S. standing in the world.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near pose

Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pose

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