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
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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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of buttress
Brian Mann, NPR, 24 May 2025
These scans combined with subsequent scans to contribute to a 3D model with detailed representations of the cathedral’s flying buttresses, arches, ribbed vaults, intricate wood carvings and stained glass, guiding the more than $700 million restoration.
—Ronald Bisio, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Any good Marxist can tell you that the ruling class of any nation will frequently make social concessions as a way of buttressing its brute political power with moral credibility.
—Book Marks
august 7, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buttress
Noun
The mountains rise up like a curtain wall, crowned by a long buttress of snowfields and ice against the blue sky.
—Brian Mann, NPR, 24 May 2025
These scans combined with subsequent scans to contribute to a 3D model with detailed representations of the cathedral’s flying buttresses, arches, ribbed vaults, intricate wood carvings and stained glass, guiding the more than $700 million restoration.
—Ronald Bisio, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
Goldberg, co-chair of Paramount Pictures and Paramount Television, buttressed Ellison’s pledge to invest in strong family and YA-friendly movies and TV shows.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Any good Marxist can tell you that the ruling class of any nation will frequently make social concessions as a way of buttressing its brute political power with moral credibility.
—Book Marks
august 7, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
-
Once there, climbers unclip one carabiner, reattach it to the cable after the anchor point, and then repeat with the other carabiner.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Lu’s journal-like songwriting anchors the mythical, otherworldly atmosphere depicted on the album cover and Wisp’s viral music videos.—
John Lonsdale,
Rolling Stone,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Stanching the hemorrhage of voter support requires some bold moves and tangible achievements.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Clean and sleek, they can be worn while sightseeing, thanks to their next-level support and cushioning, but are classy enough to be worn out to dinner.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Both sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police told Fox19.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Some mentioned not being offered much guidance regarding how to communicate with the adoptive parents or sustain a healthy open-adoption relationship.—
Nicole Chung,
The Atlantic,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The clutch start in the regional only reinforced it.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Wooden vessels for polar exploration typically reinforced the hulls internally with diagonal support beams, which braced the sides of the ship against lateral compression from powerful sea ice, said Tuhkuri, who researches the mechanics of ice.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Authorities said the building’s foundation pillars gave way while construction workers were laying down concrete.—
Britt Clennett,
ABC News,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Votives and tealights are small and subtle accent options, while taper and pillar candles are often much larger.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Toddlers can bolster their verbal and social skills with pretend play items.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
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As evidenced, efforts can culminate in formal events for strategizing and bolstering membership.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The bacon fat and rendered ham drippings are the backbone of this super simple savory sauce, studded with small pieces of sweet mirepoix and earthy black-eyed peas.—
Elizabeth Mervosh,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
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American historiography of the Civil War would be dominated by the Confederate-friendly into the middle of the twentieth century, providing intellectual backbone for the American version of apartheid.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Creating a routine and sticking to it can help the dog know what to expect and when, and they should be rewarded with positive reinforcement wherever possible, according to a report from Dogs Trust.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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The Panthers might be able to bring back some notable reinforcements following Sunday’s blowout loss against the New England Patriots.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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