buttress 1 of 2

1
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support the mother had always been the buttress of our family in trying times

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2

buttress

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for a brace buttressed the wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to reinforce
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea) a mass of circumstantial evidence buttresses the prosecutor's case

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 buttress
Noun
The chapel reflected the Gothic Revival style with a high gabled slate roof, long, narrow Gothic arched windows with limestone surround and brick turret buttresses at the corners, according to the St. Joseph Historic Area Preservation Plan from 1991. Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024 Its pointed arches, flying buttresses and piers sprouting ribs that branched like spider webs helped usher in the Gothic age. Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
The table on the concourse guarding Section 24 was marked by three wicker baskets, buttressed by a dozen small Kleenex packs and piles of a paper program whose cover featured a warm, welcoming smile. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2025 And unlike in the past, Netanyahu's positions are buttressed by Israeli public opinion. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
  • The Crossroads, with its First Friday celebrations and numerous food and beverage options, seemed like the perfect place to drop anchor.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Hunter, fisherman, chef and award-winning author Jesse Griffiths and Tamara Mayfield opened Dai Due restaurant and butcher shop in 2014 as an outgrowth of their popular supper club and farmers market stand, and the seasonal and local ethos of a farmers market is the anchor of this rustic beauty.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and its chief lobbyist Joel Kaplan have criticised EU tech rules and enlisted the support of U.S. President Donald Trump.
    Foo Yun Chee, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • With the financial support of Oniverse, Marras has been able to gradually expand his namesake brand’s retail network.
    Luisa Zargani, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Whether in China, India, Russia, Turkey, or the United States, nationalism can be sustained only by reverting to this old playbook.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
  • This minimizes context switching, fosters sustained concentration and reduces decision fatigue.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Offering health-conscious customers discounts or cash-back rewards for buying healthy items reinforces positive behavior while strengthening customer loyalty.
    Jon Jacobson, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Her plan, Jud said, was probably only reinforced after his mom endured the death of Regenhardt on April 25, 2023.
    Tim Botos, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Germany could be one of the countries most exposed to tariffs if they are implemented as exports are a key pillar for its economy.
    Chloe Taylor,Sawdah Bhaimiya,Jenni Reid,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
  • There he is befriended by Tommy, a seeming pillar of the community.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • While a lower price could be one option, another could be to try to bolster enforcement of the current measure.
    Donato Paolo Mancini Bloomberg, arkansasonline.com, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The Bulls’ Quad 1 win bolsters their resume, especially compared to some of the less consistent power conference teams in the middle of the pack.
    Mark Schindler, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • On the other side of the screen, Ukrainians die, lose territory, see apartment blocks reduced to rubble, consider desertion, and watch the backbone of their western support dissolve.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The Peychaud’s Bitters, all cherry and anise as opposed to Angostura Bitters’ cinnamon and clove, combines with the herbal pop of absinthe and the spicy backbone of the rye to create something wholly new.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), proper introductions, consistent training and positive reinforcement can help dogs and cats develop a trusting relationship.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
  • North Korean reinforcements haven’t improved Russia’s faltering fortunes in Kursk.
    David Axe, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Entries

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on buttress

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!