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

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 pose

Verb

The two drawing closer together poses a threat to the U.S., and McConnell was skeptical Hegseth was prepared to harness America’s military to confront that challenge. —

Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Jan. 2025 Three women posed for a photo on a beach in the 1980s. —

Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025

Noun

The design for the new headquarters of JPMorgan Chase is a striking, muscular performance, suggesting a plank pose, or a car up on jacks. —

Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 The material is soft and stretchy, which allows for a full range of motion during yoga poses and provides support during runs. —

Dana Leigh Smith, Glamour, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose

Noun

The Associated Press will stream a three-hour red carpet show with interviews and fashion footage.

— ASSOCIATED PRESS, TIME, 2 Feb. 2025
The tug-of-war raged all week over whether the Chinese startup’s efficient, lower-cost artificial intelligence model would reduce the need for as many of Nvidia ‘s hard-to-get and expensive AI chips, which are the best in show.

— Matthew J. Belvedere,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025

Definition of show

Cite this Entry

Style

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of pose

verb (1)

verb (2)

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