pose 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈpōz How to pronounce pose (audio)
Definition of posenext
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
Justice Department and White House officials mingled while members of the crowd posed for selfies. — arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025 But do other artificial dyes and additives pose the same risks? — Renée Onque, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
Ben Stiller struck a familiar pose on the 2025 Oscars red carpet. — Becca Longmire, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 At Harvard, there were fears that Garber was putting the university into a supine pose. — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
  1. show
  2. facade
  3. guise
  4. pretense
  5. act
Noun
  • The show officially switched to its long-standing San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) name in 1973 with the fourth annual event.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The show proved incredibly popular upon its debut, with an average weekly audience of 20 million viewers during its first season.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of show
Noun
  • Outline natural stone Johnston adds visual interest to a neutral facade.
    — Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Unfortunately, this page, which mirrored the company’s reset page, was a facade set up by cybercriminals.
    — Maxwell Alles, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of facade
Noun
  • In its stock guise, the Dark Horse is capable of 0 to 60mph in 3.7 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 12 seconds at 118.4mph.
    — Trinity Francis, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • According to certain cosmologies, their souls take on the guise of marine creatures—an idea that struck me as strangely comforting.
    — Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of guise
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
  • In a remarkable act of creation spurred on by the space race between America and the Soviet Union, science fiction television shows in the 1960s confidently came of age, emerging from campy low-budget offerings of space commandos amid cardboard sets and sparking rockets to more sophisticated fare.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The band then became the first act to debut at No. 1 with its first six chart entries in the nearly 69-year history of the chart.
    — Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of act

Phrases Containing pose

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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of pose for Spanish Speakers

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