buttress 1 of 2

Definition of buttressnext
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

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2

buttress

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for a brace buttressed the wall

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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

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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
Noun
Three setbacks provide space for landscaped terraces, and at these floors, the structural columns slope inward, becoming tall buttresses that reintegrate into the latticework. Adam Williams april 21, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026 Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality. Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
Two Runner is buttressed by a cavalcade of boisterously rootsy country acts all deeply versed in their genre’s bloodlines, who freely celebrate them with aplomb. Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 Barragán brings a surprising depth and empathy to The Yahoo Boys, to the tin roofs and traffic jams of Lagos, the SIM cards and Apple IDs that buttress this edifice of deceit. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
  • Nine people, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon, were initially arrested with 30 more later indicted on federal charges in connection with the incident.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Longtime on-air anchor Glen Walker is making his way back to broadcast news in Los Angeles.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • In the immediate aftermath of the stabbing, Lang was responsible for organizing a protest in support of Metcalf.
    Shawna Mizelle, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • El Tri will have an edge competing at high altitude and with the support of home fans, but Mexico is winless in World Cup openers.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Victor Rivas, 40, sustained injuries to his arms and was treated at a hospital before he was booked into jail on allegations of driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest and being a fugitive from adjacent Jefferson Parish, Louisiana State Police said.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 9 June 2026
  • Ednar Dayanghirang, director of the Office of Civil Defense in a nearby southern region, said more than 100 students attending morning flag-raising ceremonies sustained bruises and some fainted in panic at different elementary and high schools.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The result is a relentless flood of advice that derives its authority not from expertise but from personal testimony, endlessly reinforcing the idea that your feelings are your most important parenting instrument.
    Nina Bandelj, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
  • Choose the modest fix that reduces strain, then let that improvement reinforce the larger plan.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • The Catholic Church was a pillar of Franco’s dictatorship, and at least until the 1960s, the church enjoyed broad control and influence over Spanish society that waned after democracy took root.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
  • Elsewhere, Toyota has added flocking to the instrument panel and A-pillar trim to reduce windshield glare.
    Utkarsh Sood June 06, New Atlas, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • The goal now is to gradually expand the robot’s autonomous capabilities through reinforcement-learning systems trained to handle increasingly difficult terrain.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
  • At this point any contribution this season would be welcomed, though reinforcements may be needed.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The weekend also presents an ideal opportunity to bolster the defensive front.
    Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 29 May 2026
  • Europe bolsters military alliances over Russia fears Mounting concern in Europe over Russia’s military ambitions — and a lack of confidence in US support — is driving new defense alliances across the continent.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Those became the backbone of the story.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
  • For some time, Hartford has been perceived as a barrier instead of a backbone.
    Kenneth Okeke, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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