airs 1 of 2

plural of air

airs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of air

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun airs contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of airs are affectation, air, mannerism, and pose. While all these words mean "an adopted way of speaking or behaving," airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

Where would affectation be a reasonable alternative to airs?

The meanings of affectation and airs largely overlap; however, affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

In what contexts can air take the place of airs?

In some situations, the words air and airs are roughly equivalent. However, air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

When could mannerism be used to replace airs?

The words mannerism and airs can be used in similar contexts, but mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

When might pose be a better fit than airs?

While the synonyms pose and airs are close in meaning, 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 airs
Verb
The network typically airs one or two roasts every year. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 The show, which airs as an internet livestream, features cartoon voice actors led by their DM, Matthew Mercer. Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025 Fans will get a preview of the upcoming season on March 2, when ABC airs a special after the 97th Oscars. Daniela Avila, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 The White Lotus airs on Sunday nights on HBO. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025 Hearst Television airs Tamron Hall in 23 markets including WCVB-TV Boston, WMOR-TV Tampa, KCRA-TV Sacramento, WTAE-TV Pittsburgh, WBAL-TV Baltimore, KMBC-TV Kansas City, WLWT-TV Cincinnati, WISN-TV Milwaukee and WPBF-TV West Palm Beach. Denise Petski, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025 Deal or No Deal Island airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC. Julie Jordan, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025 Paw Patrol, which airs on Nickelodeon and is available to stream on YouTube, Paramount+, and other platforms, has been the third most in-demand children's TV series worldwide since at least 2020, beating out shows like Cocomelon, Bluey, and Peppa Pig, according to Parrot Analytics. Alana Semuels, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 When With Love, Meghan finally airs in March—after it was pushed back due to the ongoing devastation of the LA wildfires—we’ll likely get even more of a glimpse into these super personal wardrobe items and interiors. Olivia Allen, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for airs
Noun
  • The show can be watched on CBS or streamed on Paramount+.
    Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
  • Expect even more jaw-dropping reveals in the weeks leading up to the show, but for now, this fleet is setting a high bar.
    Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • The Space Mountain facade will be bathed in Fantastic Four projection lighting effects at night and Tomorrowland restaurants will sell movie themed food and a Clobberin’ Time sipper in the shape of The Thing’s fist.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 22 July 2025
  • The full facade is now the same shade of pink as the rest of the building.
    Katherine Weaver, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • In the case of Brazil, which now faces a potential 50% levy, the president has abandoned the pretense of using his tariff policy to shore up trade deficits.
    Garrett Haake, NBC news, 10 July 2025
  • Over the past several years, numerous individuals have been arrested after allegedly attempting to enter the property under suspicious or false pretenses, in some cases carrying electronic equipment or claiming to have messages for the president.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Midfielder Curtis Jones has deputised at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold (ankle) sidelined, but a fully fit Bradley gives Slot a specialist in that role.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Williams gives Daigneault the freedom to do it.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pumping out 434-hp in its Japan-spec guise, the last A90 Supra was priced in its home country at 15 million yen or around $101,000.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Renowned for a distinct sense of minimalism, the new Ming 20.01 series 5 guise is anything but.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Airs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/airs. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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