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
Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2025
In this era, ogival windows and flying buttresses would be more bracing than yet another thicket of computerized-looking shapes.
—D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
There have been a few studies suggesting that Maurten’s version does indeed minimize GI problems and enhance endurance performance—not a huge body of evidence, but enough to buttress the widespread anecdotal tales of elite athletes relying on it.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for buttress
Noun
At a number of events on Tuesday, senior officials made a case for gas as essential for energy security and a buttress to renewables.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2025
In this era, ogival windows and flying buttresses would be more bracing than yet another thicket of computerized-looking shapes.
—D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
In the cases before the Supreme Court as well as the wage case before Hall, there is no suggestion that lawyers intentionally buttressed their arguments with phony precedents in order to win an unfair advantage.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
There have been a few studies suggesting that Maurten’s version does indeed minimize GI problems and enhance endurance performance—not a huge body of evidence, but enough to buttress the widespread anecdotal tales of elite athletes relying on it.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
-
Richh sees himself as the voice, Jenn as the lyrical anchor, and TaTa as the kinetic spark.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
To stabilize the suspension system, tunnel anchors (deep chambers in the rock to secure the main cables) were dug about 310 feet (94 meters) deep for each bridge tower.—
Aman Kumar,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The measure will establish a permanent Interfaith Advisory Commission to provide advice, support dialogue and promote education related to different religious backgrounds and institutions.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Slip in, lace up or slide them on and enjoy the comfy support of Allbirds.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jock Landale was out for the Hawks with a right high ankle sprain sustained during Atlanta's 130-101 win against Orlando on Wednesday night.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Those developments were enough to sustain cautious investor optimism on Wall Street.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Ezra's parents say that the moment is one that will be memorable for some time to come, further reinforcing his dreams of one day joining the law enforcement community.—
Lesley Marin,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Authorities reinforced security around Jewish sites in the wake of explosions last month outside synagogues in Liege, Belgium, and the Dutch port city of Rotterdam and outside a Jewish school in Amsterdam.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Even the threat of reducing security for the Strait of Hormuz risks shaking confidence in a pillar of the world economy, as well as American wealth and power.—
Gerry Doyle,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Steel support pillars driven into the caves have caused rust and iron pollution in the water, and falling stalactites are making some cenotes unsafe to explore.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
From confirmation to downfall During her confirmation hearings, Bondi promised to safeguard the Justice Department’s independence and bolster its transparency.—
Austin Sarat,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
-
In a cash crunch, streaming subscriptions also tend to be casualties, which only bolsters the value of over-the-air TV when Americans are keeping a tight grip on their checkbooks.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Its journey to becoming the digital backbone of the office is a playbook for Altman.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Corn is also the backbone of the country’s ethanol industry.—
E.J. Antoni,
Boston Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Upgrades will require significant reinforcement of some walls and elevator shafts, though engineers have found ways to do the work by pouring new concrete footings and installing additional steel bracing without significantly impinging on internal spaces or being visible on exterior surfaces.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Morning humility check, evening confidence reinforcement.—
Brendan Keegan,
Rolling Stone,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
