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
Examples 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
Christian Brose, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019
But new research undercuts one of the more popular academic buttresses of this blatant politicization.
—Jack Butler, National Review, 6 Oct. 2024
Noah Rothman, National Review, 16 Sep. 2024
Almost everything about this election buttressed Wisconsin’s claim to be the most persistently purple state in America.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buttress 
Noun
The revolution in military affairs will have been not a trend that the United States used to deter war and buttress peace but a cause of the United States’ destruction.
—Christian Brose, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019
But new research undercuts one of the more popular academic buttresses of this blatant politicization.
—Jack Butler, National Review, 6 Oct. 2024
Verb
The notion that Trump told vulnerable Americans to inoculate themselves with household disinfectants has become an article of faith among Democrats, and faith is all that buttresses the allegation.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 16 Sep. 2024
Almost everything about this election buttressed Wisconsin’s claim to be the most persistently purple state in America.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
-
The vessel is also able to travel at a speed of 10 knots in zero-emissions mode or remain silently operational—without a diesel generator—while at anchor for a week.Katia Damborsky, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024
-
News Channel 5 anchor Eric Pointer has posted a view of Nashville Airport during this busy period via his X account.Michael D. Carroll, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Not everyone has the resources, the support, or, frankly, the desire for single parenthood.Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024
-
Write clear setup instructions so investors can try everything themselves without technical support.Andrey Sergeenkov, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Little was later found dead by suicide, but Baker's home and belongings sustained $50,000 in damage.Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
-
Labrador mix puppy Whiskey broke two legs, while yorkie-terrier mix Pluto sustained minor injuries.Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Fear is reinforced when workplace cultures focus too much on outcomes or perfection.Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
-
From news coverage glorifying doorbuster deals to holiday movies romanticizing the act of gift-giving, media narratives often reinforce the idea that consumption equals joy.Dr. Mara Einstein, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
However, there were occasionally times when these pillars of Grandma’s week would converge in the way of a church potluck.Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2024
-
Authenticity is a pillar of breaking and hip hop, and her performance at the Olympics was a master class in bringing your own style and personality to the highest level of the craft.Jason Pu, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
South Korea, which hosted races between 2010 and 2013, is also making a strong push to bring F1 back to its shores.Yara Elshebiny, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
-
Meanwhile, southwest-facing shores of the Great Lakes are likely to experience intense lake-effect snow, leading to heavy flurries in localized areas.Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The move bolsters a Dodgers pitching rotation that was held together with baling wire and glue through two rounds of playoffs and the World Series.Dan Freedman, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
-
In the skies, the Syrian Air Force was bolstered by Russian warplanes.Lauren Kent, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Transport and logistics form the backbone of global industry.Bernard Marr, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
-
The class that should be the backbone of next year’s LSU team has so far produced four significant contributors, led by linebacker Whit Weeks.Bruce Feldman, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near buttress
Cite this Entry
“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share