air 1 of 2

noun

ˈer How to pronounce air (audio)
Definition of airnext
1
as in aura
a special quality or impression associated with something Naomi's the only person I know who can wear old jeans and a T-shirt with an air of elegance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in breeze
a slight or gentle movement of air we sailed into the bay on a light air and just in time to enjoy a spectacular sunset

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in act
airs plural a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive ever since she joined the country club she's been putting on airs of being too "high society" for us ordinary folks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

as in to voice
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) suggested we air any complaints about the seating arrangements to the person who actually planned the event

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
The majority of his passes went to the middle of the field, with Warren completing 16 of 22 passes between the numbers, including an 11 of 12 mark for 92 yards and a touchdown on short passes (no more than 10 air yards) up the middle. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026 The blouse’s design also features little eyelets that let air into the top. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
The new season of The Howard Stern Show will debut on SiriusXM on Monday, September 14, with new live episodes airing every Monday as the program goes down from two to one show a week. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 The network is airing a collection of its fan-favorite renewals as well as some new shows for its fall 2026 programming, including the family drama Line of Fire and sitcom Newlyweds, both making their debuts. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for air
  1. aura
  2. breeze
  3. act
  4. melody
  5. voice
  6. atmosphere
  7. breath
  8. pretense
Noun
  • Knowing there was a 75-foot saltwater pool inside added to its otherworldly aura.
    — Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Sep. 2026
  • On the other, its smoothness and seamlessness generate an aura of spiritual transcendence, something not unaffiliated with the Angeleno ethos.
    — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • By the time Olivia Rodrigo hit the stage to headline the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival, the sun had set on a sweltering day, and anyone who was fading was sure to feel reenergized both from a welcome breeze and from Rodrigo’s set.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Pair it with straight-leg jeans and ballet flats for autumn travels and simply layer on a barn jacket if there’s a cool breeze.
    — Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of breeze
Noun
  • The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Here below, France’s own long-drink-of-water goalie Robin Risser does his best Beckham follow-on act with a stately Louis Vuitton carry-all with their trademark leather trim at the stress points.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of act
Noun
  • The sound of the new album is lush and emotional, which Louris sees as an echo of the pop melodies of an earlier record, 1997’s Sound of Lies, a longtime fan favorite.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Colombian folk-pop band is known in the Latin music world for catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of melody
Verb
  • Cullen received a lifetime achievement award at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards in 2023 and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for voicing Optimus Prime in 2011.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The stature of the performances from Claymore, July and Fuller bring weight to these moments over a character, generally Sarah, voicing the thesis to us again.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • One Rassvet satellite from the March launch never made any significant maneuvers and reentered the atmosphere in June.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • We were immediately drawn to the world of this Tamil-language psychological horror, with its mystery, atmosphere, emotional depth and sustained tension.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • Not feeling quite ready to start clearing up yet, Tracey stood in the kitchen doorway and took a long, deep breath.
    — Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Coastal protection advocates held their breath late into the night Friday as the clock ticked at the end of the legislative session.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of breath
Noun
  • Behind closed doors, Chloe gets hired by Melody under the pretense that Chloe is helping her teacher’s illiterate husband learn how to read.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This entire argument has been under the pretense that the Steelers will need a win — and Rudolph will deliver it.
    — Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretense

Phrases Containing air

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aims
air
air base
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Cite this Entry

“Air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/air. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on air

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about air

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