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
Any significant cuts would not go unnoticed in those communities and could pose serious political consequences. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 That would pose a huge challenge, given Ukraine’s depleted resources and Europe’s dire unreadiness, currently, to bolster the front lines with sufficient military supplies of its own. —Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
See if your local gym or recreation center offers yoga classes, or watch a video online to guide you through poses and breathing techniques. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025 Likewise, the figure’s poses may appear spontaneous, yet they, too, are carefully staged. —María Elena Ortiz, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pose
  1. show
  2. facade
  3. guise
  4. pretense
  5. act
Noun
  • Born in the Philippines before moving to New York City as a child, Caliente also had a recurring role on the Ryan Murphy FX drama series Pose as Veronica, and appeared on other TV shows like Broad City and Search Party.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Back in 2020, Wallen was disinvited from SNL for breaking the show's COVID-19 quarantine protocols the same year he was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of show
Noun
  • There’s a tumble of XXL petals on the facade of this nine-level, 40,000-square-foot building, which since November has been home to 180 employees, including an eight-strong prototyping team.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The winds also pried off chunks of buildings’ facades.
    — Amal Elawady, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
Definition of facade
Noun
  • Cybercriminals Cyber threat opportunism takes many guises, from ransomware actors leveraging media interest in Elon Musk and DOGE to launch a trillion-dollar attack, to physical attackers using shoulder-surfing techniques to steal your phone and access the data contained within.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Leavitt uses the individual stories to showcase Ukrainian resilience and resistance—themes that appear in many guises, including grassroots relief efforts.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of guise
Noun
  • Moore befriended Shakespeare in 2008 under the pretense of writing a book about him, but the project never materialized.
    — Nicole Acosta, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • What To Know According to court documents reviewed by NewsNation, Piccolo is accused of driving up to a woman in Manatee County, stopping his vehicle under the pretense of asking for directions and then exposing himself.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • During his set at the T-Mobile Mane Stage, Combs performed a stack set of hits and sprinkled his act with huge surprise guests: Bailey Zimmerman, Good Charlotte and lastly, Garth Brooks.
    — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Tap the Neighbors tab to view pictures and video of events in your neighborhood such as porch thefts, attempted break-ins, and acts of vandalism.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 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 May. 2025.

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