power structure

noun

1
: a group of persons having control of an organization : establishment
2
: the hierarchical interrelationships existing within a controlling group

Examples of power structure in a Sentence

The parade won't happen without the approval of the city's power structure. Women in the company are struggling for equality against the male power structure. They are making changes to the power structure of the church.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While previous coverage had lamented the generation's absence from political protests, the surge of activism across the globe reflects how young people are challenging traditional power structures and politics, as well as redefining protest through digital connections. Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 Suddenly, Engelbert seemed more and more beholden to the power structure around her, which includes not only W.N.B.A. owners but also the N.B.A.’s board of governors. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025 The Fergusons are pursued by one Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn), whose Vineland analogue is magnetic, appealing, persuasive, but here is merely evil, a brutal instrument and embodiment of an openly bloodthirsty power structure. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025 The bonds in Task are between men and other men, whether the backdrop is a barroom or a church; the loyalties, power structures, rivalries, and affections are all patriarchal. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power structure

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of power structure was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Power structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20structure. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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