anchor 1 of 2

noun

ˈaŋ-kər How to pronounce anchor (audio)
Definition of anchornext
1
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

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

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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
Find a bright anchor star or constellation — maybe the moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Vega, Sirius, Orion’s Belt or the Big Dipper — then, using a simple star chart or astronomy app in night mode, trace a visual path to your target. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026 In 2021 the actor agreed to star in the project, giving Kazan her anchor. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
While Green is at LT, camp reports indicate Work could anchor RT, a spot even more important for the southpaw Simmons. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 Sincere Wilkerson anchors the offensive line and several transfers will help up front. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anchor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anchor
  1. newscaster
  2. backbone
  3. fasten
  4. land
  5. broadcaster
  6. pillar
  7. secure
  8. dock
Noun
  • The newscaster then asked Percy — sporting a baseball cap, glasses, and a collared shirt — if people often mention their likeness.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
  • There’s something powerful—and, yes, stripped down—about seeing these politicians and newscasters without being able to hear their language.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
Definition of newscaster
Noun
  • Nurses form the essential backbone of post-neurosurgery ICU care, providing continuous vigilance and skilled bedside assessment after complex spine and cranial procedures.
    — Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The road was the backbone of Charlotte’s transportation at the time.
    — DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of backbone
Verb
  • The map shows other towers close by, each radiating a string that is fastened to the map when other towers radio in readings.
    — Robert Sullivan, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Unique to the mid-top is a metal hook that fastens its collar strap, replacing the plastic hook traditionally seen on the Air Force 1 Mid.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fasten
Verb
  • As Emmy voting gets underway, the show landed 11 nominations, including an outstanding host for a reality or reality competition program nod for RuPaul.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Garry is live to land one big shot but that will be tough, and otherwise will need to win multiple rounds with some volume and damage.
    — Brett Appley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of land
Noun
  • Authorities also arrested 61 Moroccans accused of facilitating the migration attempts, the broadcaster reported.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Weiler worked as a broadcaster for the Bees and also helped promote inclusivity and accessibility, not only in New Britain, but throughout the sports world.
    — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of broadcaster
Noun
  • Webb later revisited the region in infrared, seeing through more of the dust and revealing stars hidden inside and behind the pillars.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Washington and Beijing also appear to be making no progress towards building a pillar of their trade truce, a bilateral board of investment, the head of a top US business group told the South China Morning Post.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of pillar
Verb
  • That structure could help OpenAI secure large amounts of debt.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Beyer won the Democratic nomination the same day, defeating four challengers and securing roughly 68% of the vote.
    — Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of secure
Verb
  • When it's docked and not in use, the rear camera stays in its space and works as if the gimbal isn't even there.
    — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
  • East Hampton Town police responded to a 911 call from a man reporting a woman unconscious on a boat docked around midnight the day she was pronounced dead, according to last year’s statement.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of dock

Browse Nearby Words

ancestry
anchor
anchorage
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Cite this Entry

“Anchor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anchor. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on anchor

Nglish: Translation of anchor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anchor

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