1
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support
the mother had always been the buttress of our family in trying times
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
after the wall collapsed, the construction company agreed to rebuild it with a buttress
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in to reinforce
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea)
a mass of circumstantial evidence buttresses the prosecutor's case
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 buttress
Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
The shale boom has been one of the strongest buttresses supporting the recovery of the U.S. economy following the Great Recession.
—Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 6 July 2017
Simon Hughes, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Each has levied a variety of strategies to buttress its claims, encompassing infrastructure deals, loan packages, humanitarian initiatives, and diplomatic and cultural overtures.
—Zachariah Mampilly, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buttress
Noun
Ice shelves like Amery act as buttresses, slowing the flow of glaciers into the sea, and playing a crucial role in stabilizing the Antarctic Ice Sheet.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
The shale boom has been one of the strongest buttresses supporting the recovery of the U.S. economy following the Great Recession.
—Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 6 July 2017
Verb
Though authorities in South Yorkshire and centrally were to blame for the disaster, some of the deceased were still fighting for their lives when those responsible started shifting the focus away from their own failings, buttressed by support from craven sections of the media.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Each has levied a variety of strategies to buttress its claims, encompassing infrastructure deals, loan packages, humanitarian initiatives, and diplomatic and cultural overtures.
—Zachariah Mampilly, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
-
Inductees include World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and feminist icon Gloria Steinem.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2025
-
Corporate venture capital investors can ease this by facilitating scale within their parent company, becoming an anchor client, testing out ways to engage with clients, supporting the company’s PR or joining sales meetings.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
Ewing criticized Stothert’s support for President Donald Trump and turning the local race into a referendum on the national Republican platform.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
The criticism comes as House Republicans are looking to expand their party’s support with Hispanic voters after Trump picked up a significant number of black and Hispanic votes during the 2024 election.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
Professionals who combat stress early experience fewer health problems and sustain higher performance levels throughout their careers.—
Kara Dennison,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
While Warner's performance in 2024 wasn't as impressive as seasons prior, the linebacker played through a broken ankle after sustaining the injury in Week 4.—
Valentina Martinez,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
When financial literacy and empowerment are neglected, wealth-building opportunities slip through the cracks, reinforcing the cycle of instability.—
Shay Levister,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
-
Rising protectionism fueled by a populist backlash to globalization, a post-pandemic push for economic security reinforced by the shock of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and, above all, intensifying U.S.-Chinese strategic rivalry converged to shatter the illusion of a global tech ecosystem.—
Ian Bremmer,
Foreign Affairs,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Each prompt targets one of her four pillars of healthy workplace relationships—trust, belonging, recognition, and collective resilience—and it’s designed to be played at an off-site meeting, while onboarding a new employee, during a one-on-one check-in, or at an after-work happy hour.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
20 May 2025
-
These unbreakable pillars create the framework everything else fits around.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
Sentiment was bolstered Tuesday by the latest reading on consumer inflation showing prices rising at a slower pace than Wall Street economists had expected.—
Scott Schnipper,
CNBC,
14 May 2025
-
Depending on Cabrera's diagnosis, the Yankees could also explore short-term acquisitions to bolster the infield.—
Tahar Rajab,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
For generations, these towns in the Ohio River Valley were the backbone of American industry.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
-
Now, Dean has become the backbone of the restaurant as its general manager, Maria said.—
Katie Black,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
The team went over the maximum reinforcement allowed for its front bumper covers.—
Lydia Mee,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
-
Below them, the Warriors will go searching for reinforcements via trade and the free-agent market.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share