1
as in anchors
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 pillars
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
as in supports
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
a brace buttressed the wall
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in reinforces
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
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Recent Examples of buttresses
Megan I. Gannon, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
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
Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
That very insight further buttresses the need for a grand strategy.
—James B. Steinberg, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020
Noun
Researchers have been concerned that without their icy buttresses, these walls could collapse.
—Megan I. Gannon, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
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
The document filed by the Justice Department in the Los Angeles Superior Court case led by plaintiffs Todd and Kimberley Ferrier — whose Pacific Palisades home burned down — buttresses arguments made by the victims’ attorneys.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
That very insight further buttresses the need for a grand strategy.
—James B. Steinberg, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttresses
Noun
-
But Anunoby typically elevates the Knicks as one of their defensive anchors and complementary scorers.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Carlota Vizmanos and Miguel Gurwitz are the main anchors.—
Kaya Kaynak,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Due to the material’s structural limitations, it cannot be used for high-strength or critical load-bearing structures like skyscraper pillars or major bridges.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
-
When constructed, the stone circle was aligned with the sun, and to this day, thousands of people gather to witness the moment the sun peeks perfectly through its pillars.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Paige Sterling, a spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass, said the mayor has worked hard to build affordable housing in the city and supports the construction of more, including in Venice.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
With the We’Raw technology, Isko provides a product that preserves the authentic raw aspects of denim—including color and shrinkage—and supports brands’ cut-and-sew approach.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Educators themselves appear particularly drawn to how the platform reinforces strong instructional practices rather than bypassing them.—
Wyles Daniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 June 2026
-
This perspective reinforces a fundamental truth that early detection remains our most practical tool to improve survival rates, simplify treatment and protect a patient’s quality of life.—
Eric Wargotz,
Baltimore Sun,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Even when degraded, enzymes have stable backbones that might be capable of catalyzing reactions, said Sudha Rajamani, an astrobiologist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune who wasn’t involved in the study.—
Siddhant Pusdekar,
Quanta Magazine,
1 June 2026
-
As songwriters, the Ottavianos usually only needed a metaphor, a single beautiful image, or a fun double entendre to serve as narrative backbones.—
Billie Bugara,
Pitchfork,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Set on the shores of Oʻahu in Honolulu, the memorial invites visitors to reflect on the sacrifice of the lost service members.—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Final details have yet to be released, but the Q7 and SQ7 are expected to arrive on our shores before the end of the year.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Pascale’s cello generally swoops and sustains while Katzmann’s saxophone jitters in search.—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
11 June 2026
-
Integrity sustains football’s ability to inspire trust and respect.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The appearance from Vance only bolsters that case.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
-
The downturn bolsters the longstanding theory that the Bitcoin market follows the dictates of US election cycles.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buttresses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttresses. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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