air 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
as in melody
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect played a lively air on his fiddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

air

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun air contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of air are affectation, airs, mannerism, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

In what contexts can affectation take the place of air?

The words affectation and air can be used in similar contexts, but affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

When would airs be a good substitute for air?

While in some cases nearly identical to air, airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

When is mannerism a more appropriate choice than air?

While the synonyms mannerism and air are close in meaning, mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When could pose be used to replace air?

In some situations, the words pose and air are roughly equivalent. However, 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 air
Noun
Record barrages Russia has recently sought to overwhelm Ukraine's air defenses with major attacks that include increasing numbers of decoy drones. arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025 Body camera footage shows a red firework going up in the air near the canopy at Summit Park. Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
Verb
The week-long activation was comprised of a 90-second spot, which aired multiple times daily, for a limited-edition incarnation of No.5 L’Eau. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 11 July 2025 The Braves have since aired several players-only broadcasts after the first earned a nomination for a Southeast Emmy Award. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for air
Noun
  • But there’s an aura of inevitability around the Blue Jays right now.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Among the 16 all-new Houseguests competing for the $750,000 grand prize this summer are an aura painter, a dungeon master and a professional bull rider.
    Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The thick glass holds up well against the elements and is a breeze to clean.
    Jamie Fischer, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • Vionic Kimmie Slip-on Shoe Slip-on sneakers make going through the airport a breeze.
    Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
    Time, Time, 9 July 2025
  • But certainly those acts got a little bit more attention, which probably did help them.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Known for his tender melodies and sensual stage show, Daps earned his first entry on Top Reggae Albums with 2020’s Vent (No. 10), a career-shifting set that featured collaborations with Spice, Beenie Man and Chronic Law.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 7 July 2025
  • Everyone wants to play—but the melody doesn’t land.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The beloved stage and screen actress, who voiced Mrs. Potts in the original film, died in 2022, shortly after the closing of the West End revival on which this tour is based.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The president has voiced his confidence in Noem despite the criticism.
    The Hill Staff, The Hill, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • With its moody atmosphere and paranormal plots, the show offered something refreshingly different from the network's usual lighthearted fare.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • Developed by Indigo Road Hospitality with interiors by B. Berry and architecture by Neil Stevenson, the hotel blends contemporary design with a spacious, residential atmosphere.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Lily rolled over, now, onto her back, away from her husband’s meticulous ledgers, and tried to capture her breath, which along with her heart, these days, had the habit of running away from her.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • Beyond performance, breath plays a key role in understanding chronic disease.
    William Jones, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • But his heart remained on the South Side, where fans appreciated him for his workmanlike approach, his quick pace and a lack of pretense.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The federal indictment alleged that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/air. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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