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
Some critics contend that changes to both the structure of the energy industry and transmission systems make an incentive unnecessary. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 The league has already voted to flip its calendar and change its competition structure to encourage more games of consequence and take a more active role in the global transfer market beginning in 2027. Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
The Nets can structure this deal creatively, too, by using a large amount of their cap space to try to improve around Brown, then executing the Randle deal and this one. Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 30 June 2026 For most of American history, however, it had been understood that Congress had the power to structure the government and to create semi-independent agencies to carry out specific tasks such as regulating railroad rates or the money supply. Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for structure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for structure
Noun
  • The house was built during the city’s first development boom in the early 1920s, when buildings like the Freedom Tower, the Biltmore Hotel and the Olympia Theater were constructed.
    Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Workers inside the CalEPA headquarters reported smelling natural gas on some of the building’s upper floors.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • That gives construction crews room to work while preparing the campus for future growth.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • The first detainees who were taken to Camp East Montana, in early August, arrived at an active construction site.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • The ceasefire framework explicitly designates Iran and Oman to negotiate the strategic waterway’s future management, giving Araghchi’s visit to Muscat particular significance.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Among them was a new oracy framework intended to strengthen spoken communication.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Rather than constructing reactors entirely on-site, Hadron plans to manufacture major reactor components in factories before transporting them for installation.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
  • All the action takes place in sets constructed specifically for the series as well as in the real outdoors, where the Ingalls family build a life—and a home—on land of the Osage people.
    Michael Gioia, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • But whether these accounts ultimately narrow America’s wealth gap depends less on the initial $1,000 deposit than on the financial architecture that follows.
    Darrick Hamilton, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • Its internal mechanical architecture is modeled on the human spine and musculoskeletal system, using synthetic muscle-like actuators that enable fluid, natural movements.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Officials said the warning systems built since last year’s catastrophic floods were activated in Kerr County in the early hours before water levels began to rise, allowing for people to react quickly to flooding threats.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Across the nation, some communities have had more blackouts after large data centers move in, and higher power bills as utilities have to build more infrastructure to support them.
    Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Jordan Cvetanovski, chairman and chief investment officer at Pella Funds, said demand for AI infrastructure remains strong as companies race to build computing capacity, but signs of speculative excess are beginning to emerge.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • The Digital Realty proposal is the first project vying to get an exemption from Atlanta’s ban, raising questions about balancing urban land use and digital infrastructure.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • If done just right, the turf would grow together and form a cohesive, insulating layer.
    Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2026
  • Among them, Federico Duran has formed his own company, El Sol Ermitaño, but retains a stake in the 30-plus year old company.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/structure. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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