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
-
For the Kansas test, researchers cut around 40% of the house’s anchors to the ground and hit it again, first with 110 mph, and finally 130 mph.—
Alexandra Phelps,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
-
Alumnae have become actors, anchors, authors and more.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Joining me to discuss rising production costs, shifts in viewing preferences, and the demise of one of the pillars of late night television is USA TODAY TV Critic Kelly Lawler.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
-
The library is a one-story brick building with two white pillars up front sticking out like tusks, smooth and thin.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
While some people claim lemon juice and olive oil can detoxify your body, improve digestion, treat kidney stones and joint pain, and prevent premature aging and cardiovascular disease, no evidence supports these health claims.—
Michelle Pugle,
Verywell Health,
19 May 2026
-
The sales tax supports economic development projects in the city’s East Side, specifically between Ninth Street and Gregory Boulevard to the north and south, and Indiana Avenue and The Paseo to the east and west.—
Dylan Lysen
May 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Success reinforces the structure.—
Anatoly Iofe,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
Research on dark patterns reinforces that concern.—
Gregory M. Dickinson,
The Conversation,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
There's also a perception that squishy invertebrates — creatures without backbones — weren't formidable enough to join the ranks of top predators.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Set the scene The camp is a 30 minute drive from Novolazarevskaya Air Base located at the southeastern tip of the Schirmacher oasis on the shores of Lake Stantsionnoye.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
-
Growing up in India, Shubhangi Seth had always imagined her dream wedding on the mesmerizing shores of Italy’s Lake Como, ringed by stunning alpine peaks and piercing blue water.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
21 May 2026
Verb
-
Rules compelling basic disclosure or human-in-the-loop oversight in high-stakes contexts can reinforce the trust that sustains adoption over time.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
15 May 2026
-
Over the last two years, 30,000 to 40,000 Russian men have been inducted into the rolls every month, enough to replace the 30,000 or so casualties the Russian army sustains on the battlefield on a monthly basis.—
Daniel DePetris,
Twin Cities,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The agreement also bolsters AI protections, specifically around consent and compensation, and establishes minimum rate increases.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
-
Lots of laughter and playing with joy, even in the hardest of moments, truly bolsters well-being!—
Jenny B. Fine,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buttresses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttresses. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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