buttress 1 of 2

noun

ˈbə-trəs How to pronounce buttress (audio)
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
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

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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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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
  1. anchor
  2. support
  3. sustain
  4. reinforce
  5. pillar
  6. reinforcement
  7. bolster
  8. backbone
Noun
  • Back in 1892, French artist Paul Signac dropped anchor here, encouraging friends such as Henri Matisse and André Derain to follow.
    — Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • While the guests enjoy their shrimp, the wind picks up significantly and starts to drag the anchor.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of anchor
Noun
  • Others are just as deliberate about avoiding the front lines, gravitating toward technical or support specialties where the likelihood of direct combat is lower, but translating those skills to a civilian job may be smoother.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Jiang’s era saw China’s economy charge ahead and open up to the world, culminating with the country joining the World Trade Organization – with US support – in 2001.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 17 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
  • The power of variable ratio reinforcement attracts and retains gamblers in a way blackjack, roulette, or craps do not.
    — Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Fortunately for the Yanks, some reinforcements are expected back before Judge’s unspecified return.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of reinforcement
Verb
  • Kim also has bolstered his diplomatic credentials by aligning with Russia over its war against Ukraine and taking steps to deepen cooperation with China.
    — Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Here, the wealthy and asthmatic young politician, bolstered by time spent outside among manly men, grew strong enough to meet his destiny.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 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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Cite this Entry

“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on buttress

Nglish: Translation of buttress for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about buttress

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