Synonyms of pillar

pillar

noun

ˈpi-lər 

1

as in pilaster

an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure

the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pilaster
• column
• stanchion
• pier
• pedestal
• post
• obelisk
• buttress
• caryatid
• needle
• piling
• pile
• flying buttress

2

as in anchor

something or someone to which one looks for support

my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

• anchor
• backbone
• mainstay
• buttress
• reliance
• crutch
• dependence
• standby
• spine
• right hand
• refuge
• prop
• handmaiden
• anchorage
• sinew(s)
• stay
• bolsterer
• harbor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pillar

But out-of-home viewing has to become a core pillar of any rights holder or sponsor’s plans, not an afterthought. — Leo MacLehose, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026

Those pillars give us the discipline to make choices, the clarity to measure progress and the consistency to build stronger partnerships over time. — Lynette Bell, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Strength, power and speed A pillar of Tunsil’s performance is his strength and conditioning, overseen by Dominic Studzinski for more than a decade. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 July 2026

The union has been a vocal critic of the improper use of the technology, launching an #AINeedsHumans campaign to mobilize its members and making AI a pillar of its negotiations with Hollywood studios during its 148-day strike in 2023. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 30 July 2026