1
as in pilasters
an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure
the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops
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2
as in anchors
something or someone to which one looks for support
my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis
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Recent Examples of pillars
Gather a collection of pillars and tapers for a vintage look, and place a few candles around your bath for an authentic medieval experience.
—
Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
My work experience dealing with local, state and national government, plus my service at the community level, gives me the tools present legislation to reinforce the pillars of our city government from attacks that undermine and destroy our community.
—Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2025
Prekindergarten is one of the Blueprint’s five pillars, but finding enough providers to expand it has been a challenge.
—Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2025
Federal resources are one of the main pillars of support for colleges and universities, explains Derrick Anderson, senior vice president of the Education Futures initiative at the American Council on Education (ACE).
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025
Taylor, 87, was the former longtime head of the San Jose Redevelopment Agency for two decades and is considered by city and business officials as one of the most critical visionaries for growing the tax base and transforming downtown with major projects that have become pillars in the community.
—Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025
Displaying every honoree of this top award dating back to 1927, when Wings won the first best picture Oscar, the pillars — known as the Awards Walk at Ovation Hollywood, which houses the Dolby — make for an impressive display.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
Leaders should ensure that their companies are engaging these three pillars.
—Karthik Sj, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The Office of Management and Budget sends out a guidance memo to agencies on pillars to guide layoffs.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
My work experience dealing with local, state and national government, plus my service at the community level, gives me the tools present legislation to reinforce the pillars of our city government from attacks that undermine and destroy our community.
—Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2025
Prekindergarten is one of the Blueprint’s five pillars, but finding enough providers to expand it has been a challenge.
—Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2025
Federal resources are one of the main pillars of support for colleges and universities, explains Derrick Anderson, senior vice president of the Education Futures initiative at the American Council on Education (ACE).
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025
Taylor, 87, was the former longtime head of the San Jose Redevelopment Agency for two decades and is considered by city and business officials as one of the most critical visionaries for growing the tax base and transforming downtown with major projects that have become pillars in the community.
—Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025
Displaying every honoree of this top award dating back to 1927, when Wings won the first best picture Oscar, the pillars — known as the Awards Walk at Ovation Hollywood, which houses the Dolby — make for an impressive display.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
Leaders should ensure that their companies are engaging these three pillars.
—Karthik Sj, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The Office of Management and Budget sends out a guidance memo to agencies on pillars to guide layoffs.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pillars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillars. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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