as in stronghold
a structure or place from which one can resist attack
the boys built a snow fortress and then challenged the neighborhood kids to an in-your-face snowball fight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 fortress
Fonseca’s family is tight-knit and provides a fortress of well-being.
—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
The two stairwells are set within a 110-foot-wide core made of a concrete that’s stronger than any rock, creating a pressurized, smoke- and blast-resistant fortress.
—Michelle Sinclair Colman, Curbed, 7 May 2026
The eccentric design of Olana was inspired by fortresses in Persia (where, curiously, Church hadn’t travelled), as well as Italian, East Indian, Gothic Revival, and French Second Empire architecture.
—Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism.
—Christin Parcerisa Vigueras, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fortress
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
The two stairwells are set within a 110-foot-wide core made of a concrete that’s stronger than any rock, creating a pressurized, smoke- and blast-resistant fortress.
—Michelle Sinclair Colman, Curbed, 7 May 2026
The eccentric design of Olana was inspired by fortresses in Persia (where, curiously, Church hadn’t travelled), as well as Italian, East Indian, Gothic Revival, and French Second Empire architecture.
—Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism.
—Christin Parcerisa Vigueras, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fortress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortress
Noun
-
Amnesty International said that attack took place in the village of Mussa near Sambisa Forest, a stronghold of militants from Boko Haram and its splinter group, an Islamic State affiliate known as the Islamic State West Africa Province.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 May 2026
-
Law enforcement officials said Guadalajara is a stronghold for the criminal group.—
Steve Fisher,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
During the 25 years that consumed the back half of the 1950s and every bit of the 60s and 70s, Orange County shed the last remnants of its agrarian roots to become ground zero for that uniquely American citadel of consumption: The shopping mall.—
Byron De Arakal,
Oc Register,
3 May 2026
-
In 1928, the original owners took over a hotel that was mere feet across one of the narrow cobblestone streets that make up the citadel and added 48, keeping the neo-Gothic style, including pretty leaded windows.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The beach is situated along the Chesapeake Bay at the base of historic Fort Monroe, the largest masonry fortification in the United States.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
-
Bailey offers the team superb defense behind the plate, and another potential right-handed bat against left-handed pitching, an area where the Guardians needed fortification.—
Bernie Pleskoff,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
This tiny Bavarian town has a 1,000-year-old castle, a 700-year-old watchtower, and a mayor in office for just a few days who's facing one of the town's biggest crises in its history.—
Rob Schmitz,
NPR,
16 May 2026
-
Kreischer and his crew take over the beach, stomping on the Carolina Panthers’ sand castle, cutting the line of the Falcons’ kite and splashing the Detroit Lions, Vikings and Packers with the wake of a jet ski.—
Jayna Bardahl,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
In that world, he’s been written off as old, washed, and a bastion of a game that’s passed him by.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
At the bottom end of the peninsula, the town of Waimea is home to historic Parker Ranch, the Paniolo Heritage Center cowboy museum, and Merriman’s, a bastion of regional cuisine that many consider the best restaurant on the Island of Hawaii.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
But this island destination also boasts a walkable downtown, natural beauty, historical fort, top-notch golf courses, and a mix of both luxe resorts and quaint inns.—
Lisa A. Beach,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
-
In addition to exploring the forts and lighthouses, families can enjoy coastal trails, bird-watching, and stargazing.—
Dave Parfitt,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fortress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortress. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
