structure 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Published in 2019, the novel — structured in an oral history format — tells the story of the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band, loosely based on Fleetwood Mac. Katie Mannion, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025 The film is partly structured around the recording of the fine Hal Willner–produced Bolan/T. Rex tribute album of the same name, which makes for rewarding, if bittersweet, viewing. Air Mail, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
To overcome this, the Michigan team developed a ridge structure that acts like a wire. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025 Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for structure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for structure
Noun
  • The Department of Buildings told CBS News New York and News 12 Long Island that a 10-by-10-inch section of the ceiling collapsed due to possible water damage, and pieces of the building fell on customers dining inside.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Cudahy couple purchased the building in South Milwaukee primarily for the living space in back to take care of an elderly uncle.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The fourth member of the Icon Class gang, a yet-to-be-named mega-ship which, like the others, will be more than 1,000 feet long and have a capacity of around 5,610 passengers, officially started construction on September 8.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Domani Development built the new construction home designed in a mid-modern style by StudioHoff Architecture.
    Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Wu also emphasized that Beijing is open to international cooperation, including data sharing, with the goal of building a joint global asteroid defense framework.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Taken together, the three lights provide a framework that is both simple and profound.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The district plans to begin constructing the canals in 2026, and is looking for a developer to partner in the project, Alanis said.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The building that houses it was constructed in the 1940s; quirky designs abound inside, as do low ceilings and claustrophobic layouts.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cognitive architecture built in youth provides the scaffolding for a lifetime of learning.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The project preserves the mid-20th century architecture of the Pan Am building, maintaining its historical significance.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 35-year-old founder has built a remarkably high-earning captive agency, all while staying within the corporate framework that others rush to leave.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But his focus, as ever, was on building a movement that could endure for years to come.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Lerner believes that without smarter management, enterprises will face spiraling bills and strained infrastructure.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • These include energy consumption—driving GW data centers, thermal management and the time to operationalize that infrastructure.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Only one storm has formed into a major hurricane.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Mistral, one of Europe’s most competitive tech startups and widely seen as a regional rival of Sam Altman’s OpenAI, has been building large language models that form the foundation of AI applications, such as chatbots.
    Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/structure. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on structure

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!