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 In the beginning of the series, which starts in the 1950s and goes through the AIDS epidemic, Tim is still boyish, and his affinity for milk is just another cute affectation that catches Hawk’s eye. —Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024 In the 2010s, baking sourdough bread at home went from quirky, hippie affectation to a serious hobby. —Meghan McCarron, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 That was just a bizarre affectation, a strange impression of a dancing horse that offered basically nothing constructive, and ultimately made his eventual miss look five times as stupid. —Nick Miller, The Athletic, 9 July 2024 She’s doe-eyed and eager and preening with Grande adopting a mid-century affectation, à la Gloria Grahame in Oklahoma! —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2024 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. inflation
  8. pride
Noun
  • Harrington recently appeared on the Cookie Jar Golf podcast and opened up about how the then-21-year-old McIlroy shattered his pretensions as a heavy favorite to win the title.
    — Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Rush were almost in danger of becoming too brainy and obscure for their own good by the end of the ’70s, but the band would rein in their pretensions with tighter songwriting in the albums that would follow. 5.
    — Al Shipley, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2025
Definition of pretension
Noun
  • But what unfolded in the White House on Friday was a striking departure—an unprecedented display of hostility, arrogance, and political theater that raises serious concerns about America's global leadership.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Reportedly, Tulip mastermind Charles Hegel (played with perfect measure of condescending arrogance by Josh Brener) has died in Kenya, and took with him all the necessary passwords needed to access the accounts of his many investors.
    — Joe Leydon, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • Lottie’s wellness cult is no more, although an incriminating video tape gives the adults at least some pretense of narrative tension.
    — Abby Monteil, Them, 13 Mar. 2025
  • During this and other trials, Chase abandoned all pretense of impartiality, openly siding with federal prosecutors.
    — Marianne Holdzkom, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • Tiny Solar Homes The bathroom is nearby and contains a shower, vanity sink, and a flushing toilet.
    — Adam Williams, New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The resurgence of popular beauty looks of decades past comes at no surprise to those who grew up watching their mothers and grandmothers do their hair or paint their nails at their bathroom vanity.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of vanity
Noun
  • But, then, genuine misanthropic disdain is part of Verhoeven's tool kit.
    — Tom Gliatto, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Musk has long voiced disdain for Biden and notably was not invited to the administration's electric vehicle summit in 2021.
    — Newsweek, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • Wealth isn’t about intelligence or moral superiority.
    — Greg Clement, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Lopez and the co-sponsors want to cloak themselves in moral superiority and call it a day.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of superiority
Noun
  • The one-year inflation outlook spiked to 4.9%, the highest reading since November 2022.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025
  • This rise aligns with broader economic trends, including increasing tuition costs and the lingering effects of inflation on family budgets.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of inflation
Noun
  • Another local chef who gets to revel in both culinary and local pride is Chef Edney Gaitor, of Café Martinique.
    — Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Yet, the beach culture becomes an everyday celebration of liberation, unity, and cultural pride.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of pride

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Cite this Entry

“Affectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affectation. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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