affectation

noun

ˌa-ˌfek-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce affectation (audio)
Definition of affectationnext
as in pretension
the quality or state of appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case a woman of great affectation at social gatherings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun affectation contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of affectation are airs, air, mannerism, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

When would air be a good substitute for affectation?

While the synonyms air and affectation are close in meaning, air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

When is it sensible to use airs instead of affectation?

The meanings of airs and affectation largely overlap; however, airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

When can mannerism be used instead of affectation?

Although the words mannerism and affectation have much in common, mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When is pose a more appropriate choice than affectation?

The synonyms pose and affectation are sometimes interchangeable, but pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

her shyness was just a pose

Example 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 affectation Alternatively, sometimes the quest to reach world markets by way of film-festival acclaim gives rise to the opposite—to big swings and big misses, the kind of festival films that, by ambition, idiosyncrasy, and length, cut through the clamor but exude affectation and effortfulness. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025 May contributes harp glissandos, which somehow don’t come off as a precocious affectation. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025 The way Koko is received for her affectation is part of what’s frustrating to watch, too. —Jihan Forbes, Allure, 29 Oct. 2025 In retrospect, Kinetta feels like a dry run for Lanthimos, with all the droll affectation of his later provocations but little of the allegorical power or lunatic comedy that would distinguish them. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affectation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affectation
  1. pretension
  2. arrogance
  3. pretense
  4. vanity
  5. disdain
  6. superiority
  7. grandiosity
  8. inflation
Noun
  • With a takeout window and a sprawling open-air patio currently patrolled by the world’s noisiest rooster, the modest spot just west of I-95 has become known as a place for warm comfort food without pretension.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The nation was to be purged of continual sin not indeed all of its own doing—due partly to its inheritance; and yet a sin, a negation that gave the world the right to sneer at the pretensions of this republic.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of pretension
Noun
  • Despite trariffs, military power, dollar dominance and presidential arrogance, isolation, America will triumph.
    — Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Adriana is immediately aware of his confidence—bordering on arrogance—but also senses potential chemistry in their skating styles.
    — Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 22 Jan. 2026
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • This is not an e-bike; there are no pedals and, interestingly, no pretense of a bicycle categorization to blur regulatory lines.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Wang faces four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious injury, one count of kidnapping, and two counts of larceny over $1,200 by false pretense.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • Clear bins on a bathroom vanity are ideal for daily-use items, which Wells suggests storing in the front, and extra or backup toiletries in the back.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The old icebox turned vanity is a gift from a friend.
    — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of vanity
Noun
  • Over time, some officers showed a boastful disdain for parts of the population they were expected to protect.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • With a firehouse of insults flowing from Washington, the value of dignity rises with people of goodwill, while attracting the disdain of a diminishing mob.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • At the same time, Chinese state media reportedly released images emphasizing Beijing’s technological and military superiority, while highlighting its ability to take Taiwan by force if necessary.
    — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Unlike the Cold War-era contest between the Soviet Union and the United States, which was driven by governments seeking to demonstrate technological superiority, today's race is increasingly powered by private companies and commercial competition.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of superiority
Noun
  • Critics such as economist Jeffrey Sachs have warned that the NSS is grounded in grandiosity and Machiavellianism, substituting coercion for cooperation and dominance for legitimacy.
    — Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Ancher avoided grandiosity, said Lucy Waterson in Apollo.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of grandiosity
Noun
  • The other major issue is the economy and inflation.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
  • And inflation, while still sticky, has remained stable in recent months.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of inflation

Browse Nearby Words

affect
affectation
affected
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Cite this Entry

“Affectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affectation. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on affectation

Nglish: Translation of affectation for Spanish Speakers

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