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

Relevance
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 region’s air quality alerts associated with the Fourth of July concluded Sunday afternoon. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 The companies concluded in a press release that the strategic manufacturing alliance is intended to lay the foundation for commercial production and support the future growth of electric air-taxi manufacturing. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Verb
Helicopter images aired on Iranian state television showed a massive crowd stretching from Tehran’s Azadi, or Freedom, Square for kilometers (miles) down a multilane street of the same name. — ABC News, 5 July 2026 After the episode aired, his son, Jake Reiner, who appears in the premiere episode of Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, shared a behind-the-scenes photo from set showing his father in costume with his signature beard. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 7 July 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
  • Bubblegum pink nails with strawberry auras are fit for a day at the fair.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • The color palette shifts among black and white, sepia-toned, and some gray-green patina to really nail the foreboding aura.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Its compact size and functional interior and exterior pockets will make zipping through airport security or stopping for gas on road trips a breeze — no more digging through disorganized totes to locate your wallet and phone.
    — Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • Simply plant the lightweight poles in the sand, face it into the breeze, and let the wind do the rest.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
Definition of breeze
Noun
  • At the time, the colonies were still under British rule, making the creation of a national flag a potentially dangerous act.
    — Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of act
Noun
  • Disgruntled colonists in taverns and town squares borrowed British melodies to support new lyrics expressive of a developing national consciousness.
    — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • Immersive robot awareness As a robot approaches, the system generates a melody that changes over time.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
Definition of melody
Verb
  • Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who voted against the proposal in mid-June, voiced fears that the list of noncitizen voters would immediately be seized by federal immigration authorities.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Just minutes after Trump’s decision to nix the signing ceremony, Thune sat for an exclusive interview with the Washington Examiner and voiced some displeasure with the president’s decision, given the bipartisan nature of the bill.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • The experience feels less like touring a luxury property and more like being welcomed into someone’s home—the atmosphere the team set out to create.
    — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • As Norway has advanced in the World Cup, the atmosphere has grown more frenzied in the country than even during a summer or winter Olympics, Tufte said.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • The head may be turned, a breath taken in a conscious way, or not.
    — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • Fans hold their breath and hope for Messi to score every time that Argentina plays, but this team is loaded with talent.
    — Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Definition of breath
Noun
  • Trimpey also faces a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • In the suit, Ibrahim alleges that he was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and was ambushed by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two other men.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of pretense

Phrases Containing air

Browse Nearby Words

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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on air

Nglish: Translation of air for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about air

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