anchor 1 of 2

1
2
as in backbone
something or someone to which one looks for support my best friend has been my anchor throughout this crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

anchor

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to fasten
to put securely in place or in a desired position used ropes and sandbags to anchor the hot-air balloon to the ground

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to land
to stop at or near a place along the shore we'll anchor at Praia, Cape Verde

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 anchor
Noun
The Asian grocery store is the anchor of a 50-acre mixed use development at NE Loop 820 and Beach Street. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2025 Planners sketched several concepts for the site, ranging from lighter-touch updates that keep key anchors in place to broader mixed-use redevelopment. Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
Since its founding, Magnolia Pearl has anchored its business in acts of service. Maria Williams, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025 At only 25 years old, the prospect being the first host to anchor Saturday Night Live after the September 11 attacks was nearly too much for Reese Witherspoon to bear. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anchor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anchor
Noun
  • In 2004, Turner became news director, reporter, and newscaster with the Minnesota News Network.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Smith read for a few different roles — Joey's sister's boyfriend, Bodie, as well as Dawson's film teacher, Tamara Jacobs' boyfriend and newscaster Bob.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That idea became the backbone of OSEA, with undaria algae (a mineral-rich seaweed rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and firming benefits) appearing in so many of its formulations.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Despite these measures, investigators acknowledge that Brazil’s penitentiaries remain the backbone of command and communication for its largest criminal organizations — a paradox that the state struggles to contain.
    Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • There, a group of KPMG staffers followed and sometimes interjected their own thoughts on the building, while workers fastened the last screws on light bulbs and organized plants strewn around the office.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The macaques were secured by three gates, each fastened by two sets of locks and latches.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The Hurricanes on Sunday landed another blue-chip recruit for their Class of 2026, receiving an oral commitment from four-star cornerback JJ Dunnigan.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Yes, Indiana likely would’ve qualified for the CFP had Cooper’s heel landed out of bounds and Indiana lost.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Kevin Bakhurst, another former BBC current affairs exec, who now runs Irish broadcaster RTÉ, is another being touted.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The broadcaster is mostly funded by something called the license fee.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Collectible design platform was founded in Brussels in 2018 and gained recognition for its finesse in linking pillars of design, art and fashion.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Bordered by antique wood pillar columns, the custom wood and glass front doors lead into a rotunda foyer displaying dark polished hardwood floors that run throughout the interiors.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • England play their last two World Cup qualifiers over the next eight days, against Serbia and Albania, but have already secured their place at the finals and preparations are underway for the tournament.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The collaboration aligns with Japan’s broader strategy to secure a domestic EV battery supply chain and reduce dependence on China and South Korea.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Controllers who take sick leave during a shutdown can be docked back pay, although controllers are also allowed to take sick time for illness or fatigue.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
  • And on Saturday, the first all-electric boat competition in the world docked in the 305.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anchor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anchor. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

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