ANCHOR Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

anchor 1 of 2

noun

ˈaŋ-kər

Definition of anchor

as in newscaster

one who reads and introduces news reports on a news program the news anchor coordinated the reports of the correspondents from around the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to land

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 54-year-old Today show co-anchor appeared on the NBC morning show on Tuesday, July 7, wearing a blue collared dress. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 Yellow seems to be a significant color for Guthrie as the Today anchor has received yellow flowers and her colleagues have worn yellow ribbons in support of her mom Nancy Guthrie’s abduction case. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

Verb

The Virginiatown Road property was marketed as a multi-building compound anchored by a 4,828-square-foot main house with six bedrooms and four bathrooms, paired with additional guest and recreation spaces. — David Caraccio updated July 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 In 2026, the pattern has continued with The Mandalorian and Grogu, Toy Story 5, and the live-action Moana all anchoring the theatrical slate. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for anchor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anchor

Noun

Murder at The Hawaii Theatre alongside KHON-TV Hawaii newscaster Joe Moore.

— Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
The most immediately notable moment in the trailer was Emily Blunt’s newscaster breaking out in alien-speak during the weather report, but what happens right after that is truly astounding.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 June 2026

Definition of newscaster

Noun

Building a century of infrastructure What Bucyrus built in South Milwaukee fanned out across the country, shaping the backbone of modern America.

— Malika Bowling, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Brut Champagne gives the drink its backbone—its acidity stays crisp against the other players, keeping the drink focused and bright.

— Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026

Definition of backbone

Verb

On the rocks below, instructors help complete beginners fasten their harnesses, chalk their hands and search for the next hold on the granite wall.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Pz’ spends much of his proper debut, No Turning Back, equally baffled by his good fortune and ready to fasten it to his side with a Gucci strap before anyone else can take it.

— Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026

Definition of fasten

Noun

On Thursday, photos released by state broadcaster IRIB showed the commander sitting next to Khamenei’s casket during a farewell ceremony in Tehran.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Oraiokastro Mayor Pandelis Tsakiris said on Greece’s state broadcaster ERT that several businesses and homes were damaged but a clearer picture would emerge after authorities conducted a full evaluation.

— Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of broadcaster

Noun

The only way to preserve our republic is to strengthen the pillars of our present with the mortar of our past.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
These clips, showing first-person views from drones striking military and logistical sites, have become a pillar of Ukraine’s wartime propaganda efforts to illustrate battlefield successes against Russia.

— Marc Santora, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of pillar

Verb

Chapman allowed back-to-back singles after his milestone strikeout, but got Jo Adell to ground into a double play to secure his 17th save.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Chapman gave up back-to-back singles after his milestone strikeout, but got Jo Adell to ground into a double play to secure his 17th save.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of secure

Verb

The cruise, which departs from Greece on July 5, was expected to dock in the Turkish port town of Kuşadası two days later, followed by a trip to Istanbul, according to Atlantis Events, which is organizing the voyage.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 July 2026
According to ship tracking data site MarineTraffic, the ship is docked at a Greek island as of June 3.

— Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of dock

Browse Nearby Words

ancestry

anchor

anchorage

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Anchor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anchor. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of anchor

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on anchor

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

tacit

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes