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
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
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for 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
Energy, Elections, and Russian Subterfuge Russia, mired in the Ukraine conflict, currently lacks the military resources to immediately buttress its position in the South Caucasus.
—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
-
Katie Couric has had a prolific career in journalism—including becoming the first solo female anchor of an evening news program—but her career had rough beginnings that included sexism and harassment.
-
Verhoeff was an anchor in the top four for North Dakota and was key on its power play with his booming shot.
Noun
-
Overall, half of Americans (50%) support displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms, including 83% of White evangelicals and 72% of Republicans.
-
Trailing 3-1 in the third, Ohtani provided his own run support, singling to center to score Alex Freeland from second after the Dodgers infielder had led off with a double.
Verb
-
Those who have sustained a severe burn or dirty wound should follow up with a booster after five years, according to the CDC.
-
The driver of the bus sustained minor injuries.
Verb
-
Ukraine’s most important innovation may be its ability to integrate tactical drones, operational strike systems, strategic drone campaigns, artillery, aircraft and conventional ground forces into a mutually reinforcing system.
-
For Edwards, the reaction reinforced why authentic storytelling matters more than ever, especially in her field of work.
Noun
-
Personalized treatments are built around three pillars—energetic renewal, conscious longevity, and stress management—and integrated with the landscape and architecture of the property and the regional cuisine.
-
This delightful journey starts by passing through a decorative iron gate supported by stone pillars.
Noun
-
The left-hander had originally been viewed as a potential midseason reinforcement for a team with postseason aspirations.
-
That’s likely to change in Season 3, now that both factions have added key reinforcements.
Verb
-
Countries affected by the disruption are expected to bolster energy stockpiles, direct resources to ramp up domestic production, and pursue alternative supply routes to reduce dependence on a single chokepoint.
-
Such lifting of sanctions all but guarantees that the Iranian regime will be bolstered mere months after protests brought it to the brink of collapse.
Noun
-
More than an idyllic lakeside hamlet beloved by the international jet set, the northern Italian town of Como and the surrounding area are home to the country’s biggest silk-making districts, part of Italy’s fashion supply chain backbone.
-
The Gilded Age fortunes that scandalized their contemporaries became, within a generation, the universities, museums and hospitals that form America’s civic backbone.
Cite this Entry
“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
