airs 1 of 2

noun

Definition of airsnext
plural of air
as in show
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

airs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of air
as in voices
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 airs contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of airs are affectation, air, mannerism, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

Where would affectation be a reasonable alternative to airs?

The meanings of affectation and airs largely overlap; however, affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

In what contexts can air take the place of airs?

In some situations, the words air and airs are roughly equivalent. However, air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

When could mannerism be used to replace airs?

The words mannerism and airs can be used in similar contexts, but mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When might pose be a better fit than airs?

While the synonyms pose and airs are close in meaning, 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 airs
Noun
Many are already adopted by the time the show airs, however, thanks to their cuteness level. —Chris Sims, IndyStar, 8 Feb. 2026 The ceremony airs live on NBC, Telemundo, Peacock and Universo. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026 This year’s Super Bowl is a contest between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, and airs on NBC and streams on Peacock. —Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 8 Feb. 2026 Country artists Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert and Gabby Barrett will share the stage with Kid Rock when the show airs on various right-wing networks and across TPUSA’s social media channels. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026 The Drew Barrymore Show airs weekdays. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026 Many are already adopted by the time the show airs, however, thanks to their cuteness level. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026 Her program will feature dance tunes, ballads and airs. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 The matchup airs on ESPN, NBCS-BOS, and FDSWI. —Data Skrive, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
Finding Your Roots airs Tuesdays on PBS. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Feb. 2026 The show, which now airs on Monday nights, will start airing on Disney+ on March 30. —Peter White, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026 Below, find the full list of performances at the 2026 Super Bowl, which airs on NBC and Peacock. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026 Duffy, as well as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks, whose network airs IndyCar races, also weighed in with statements praising the anticipated event. —Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 30 Jan. 2026 The Diplomat is a rare Netflix show that now airs yearly, seasons 2 and 3 both in October of subsequent years. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The Amazing Race, which airs on CBS, was recently renewed for season 39. —Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026 The move was announced Monday in a statement from Channel 4, which airs the TV baking competition in the United Kingdom. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026 The season concludes Saturday, June 13, when ABC airs the 2026 UFL Championship Game. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for airs
  1. show
  2. voices
  3. facade
  4. expresses
  5. pretense
  6. gives
  7. guise
  8. states
Noun
  • The tour consisted of 83 shows and marked her first arena tour.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The co-founder of Airbnb, Gebbia ran through the new website with Oz, a former television show host, during the informercial-style event.
    — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of show
Verb
  • The decision came after consultation with Stephen's wife of 14 years, Ayesha Curry, who voices a goat named Carol.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Scott voices Lincoln Gumb, a down-on-his-luck Vegas lawyer who hires Sheila Flambé (James), a local magician, to help with his courtroom presentations.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of voices
Noun
  • Underground work on the plaza is nearly complete and construction on the stairwells and brick facade for the parking garage is on track to be done by June 1, Brodigan said.
    — Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Set the scene New Yorkers and return visitors will instantly recognize the nearly 40,000 plants cascading down the 18-story facade, breathing oxygen into the Midtown air.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of facade
Verb
  • Leferi Chairman Choi In-seok expresses his condolences in his own statement following the late influencer's death.
    — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
  • No other word expresses so much hatred and bigotry.
    — Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of expresses
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
Verb
  • That gives Takaichi a clear path to deliver on her agenda over the coming years – until the next election in 2027.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The speech and debate clause, under Article 1, Section 6, of the Constitution, gives these members immunity from liability for defamation when reading the list of names aloud in court.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of gives
Noun
  • The government insisted his case had nothing to do with press freedom, saying the defendants used journalism as a guise to commit acts that harmed Hong Kong and China.
    — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Both marques returned to the competition this year in new guises.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of guise
Verb
  • The South would pick up nine seats, Northeast would lose four, Midwest and Plains states down three, Mountain states up three, and West down five.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Advertisement Carney's response points to the Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement, signed in June 2012, which states that the Canadian government will pay for the bridge, and use toll funds—collected over 30 years—as reimbursement.
    — Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of states

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Airs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/airs. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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