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
The restaurant requires a follow-up inspection but doesn’t pose a threat to the public. — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025 And if Nique Clifford was able to give Maryland’s defense fits on 21 points, Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. could pose a nightmare matchup. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
In the photographs shot by Steven Klein, Kardashian is seen in various poses next to the Tesla robot, who’s apparently named Optimus, and lying on top of of the Tesla cybertruck. — Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2025 The track cover shows a throwback photo of a relatively makeup-free Parton, grinning with her arms around Dean, who dons a white T-shirt and stoic pose. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 7 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 entrepreneur rose to fame as an executive producer and star of the Netflix reality show that showcased affluent Asians in Southern California.
    — Lawrence Yee, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • And be sure to check out my latest streaming guide for all the other shows and movies out this weekend.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of show
Noun
  • Though the statesman tries to stay one step ahead of the sovereign, the facade he’s so carefully crafted starts to crack.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The iconic flag is bolted onto the facades of brick homes.
    — Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of facade
Noun
  • All would come under the guise of respect for local norms.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Underneath the guise of afternoon tea, though, lies a book club, which offers Eleanor, Rose and Lavinia the chance of newfound freedom.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of guise
Noun
  • The Trump Administration has significantly weakened America's national security infrastructure under the false pretense of government efficiency, by reducing staffing at the Departments of Defense and State, FBI, CIA, USAID, and others despite increasing global threats.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Trump administration’s harrowing detention of Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil — and the broader repression of student activism on campuses across the country — is being sold to the public under the false pretense of ensuring Jewish safety.
    — Adam Jaffe, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • Opening acts in select cities include Marshmello, The All-American Rejects and Boys Like Girls.
    — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2025
  • There’s a real power in the Chocolate Drops getting back together at this moment in time, after the group helped spawn so many new acts in the past decade.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of act

Phrases Containing pose

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ports
pose
pose (as)
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Cite this Entry

“Pose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pose. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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