BUTTRESS Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

buttress 1 of 2

noun

ˈbə-trəs

Definition of buttress

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

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

buttress

2 of 2

verb

as in to sustain

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Noun

In a modern twist on this concept, Volvo is now megacasting aluminum alloy buttress-like structures in the new EX60’s diecast rear floor. — Kristin Shaw, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026 Researchers have been concerned that without their icy buttresses, these walls could collapse. — Megan I. Gannon, Scientific American, 6 May 2026

Verb

Only the walls remain, buttressed with beams. — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026 Howard said that since the fraud allegations surfaced in the fall, many victims have been pressed by the county’s lawyers to buttress their claims of abuse. — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for buttress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress

Noun

Tassel accents make a great outfit anchor; what once adorned the home brings elegance and opulence to your wardrobe.

— Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Joe gives Joy a quick lesson on dropping the anchor beforehand.

— Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of anchor

Noun

Not everyone has enough resources and support to turn to in real life, the 22-year-old said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
The edges of your lawn and garden provide the perfect habitat for these plants, while fences and retaining walls can give support to growing poison ivy vines.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Considering the expense of operating it, only musical groups with massive followings can sustain a residency here.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Two sailors are reported to be missing, while eight civilians sustained injuries, Staff Colonel Majed al-Zuraiqi, official spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, said.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of sustain

Verb

The buffers that have minimized the disruption so far will hold for only so long and must be reinforced if the world is to endure future shocks.

— Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
Human-scale FloatForms will require reinforced and even mechanically interlocked latches as well as GPS or visual sensing.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

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

Noun

Left-back could also do with reinforcements, with a thin pool of options available to cover for Luke Shaw, whose fitness record has been patchy during his 12-year career in Manchester.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
The Red Sox had one of their biggest trade deadlines in franchise history last Monday, bringing aboard loads of big league reinforcements led by three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforcement

Verb

Crowley and other Democrats argue the ads are meant to bolster Hong's standing in the primary because Republicans see her as the easier opponent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Crowley and other Democrats argue the ads are meant to bolster Hong’s standing in the primary because Republicans see her as the easier opponent.

— Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of bolster

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

Browse Nearby Words

button (up)

buttress

buttressed

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Style

“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of buttress

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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