structure 1 of 2

Definition of structurenext
1
as in building
something built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity the only structure on the island is an old Spanish fort—or what's left of it

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2
as in construction
something put together by arranging or connecting an array of parts the Egyptian pyramids are among the most remarkable structures ever built

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3
as in framework
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form the basic structure of all those tract houses is the same: basically, a box

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structure

2 of 2

verb

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 structure
Noun
That emphasis on people rather than just programming runs through the structure of the fellowship itself. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 4 May 2026 For investors entering the space today, the focus is less on timing and more on structure. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
Verb
Specifically, the chairwoman is in charge of a chaebol, one of the family-run corporations that structure South Korea’s economy and have far-reaching influence in every aspect of Korean society. Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 Apr. 2026 Danantara’s role is to help structure these partnerships—bringing in global capital while ensuring that projects meet higher standards of accountability, deliver long-term value, and strengthen Indonesia’s position in strategic industries. Pandu Sjahrir, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for structure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for structure
Noun
  • The building where the fire broke out has 107 housing code violations, including 39 that are considered immediately hazardous, building records show.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
  • The massive building, which had its own 60654 ZIP code, was rebranded as the Mart as part of a $40 million renovation in 2016.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Cole’s canvases were synthetic constructions teeming with homilies.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • In addition to the new construction at North Crossing, new apartment projects now leasing include the conversion of historic properties.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • Within this framework, Keiko positioned herself as a conservative political figure broadly aligned with pro-market economic policies and tough-on-crime positions, while seeking to distance herself, at least rhetorically, from the excesses of her father’s government.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
  • His opponents mostly argue within the same framework, insisting the system should be fairer but still organized around the same ideals.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Nguyen and Akhavan also worked with architects and engineers to make the necessary alternations to Canada’s permanent building in the Giardini, while protecting the tree that it is constructed around.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 6 May 2026
  • Large infrastructure projects like this one are complex — a two-mile bridge can’t be designed or constructed overnight.
    Katie Thomson, Baltimore Sun, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Most houses in the area were built by Palmer & Krisel, the architecture firm responsible for Palm Springs—from the car, see butterfly roofs; see lime-green desert modern; see hot pink, turquoise.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • But the slightly slanted exterior architecture is just a way to whet your architectural appetite.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • The project is particularly acrimonious, drawing out geographical battles between north and south and thorny fights between officials who want to build the tunnel and environmentalists and Delta residents seeking to protect the local ecosystem and their way of life.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • If companies want to build data centers, for example, they should be required not only to absorb any electricity-cost increases but also to pay for upgrades to our grid infrastructure.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • If companies want to build data centers, for example, they should be required not only to absorb any electricity-cost increases but also to pay for upgrades to our grid infrastructure.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • With this scaling, the tech could be brought to high-performance architecture for the next generation of consumer electronics and renewable energy infrastructure.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • When Napoleon later sought to reëstablish it, Saint-Domingue’s leaders declared independence from France, forming the Black republic of Haiti, in 1804.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Both co-chaired the event with Wintour, who wore a Loewe custom floor-length jacket adorned in feathers that formed tulip bouquets.
    Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/structure. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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