1
as in tower
a large, magnificent, or massive building
the U.S. Capitol is one of our nation's most impressive edifices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in building
something built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity
the first edifices built by the colonists were primitive huts with walls of dried mud and roofs covered with thatch
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form
the edifice of the argument is quite simple, once you get past the fancy language
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 edifice
As with a cathedral, a basilica may be a relatively humble edifice, though many are spectacular buildings.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
But although the edifice built at great expense—by Fannie Lou Hamer, by John Lewis, by the bloodied limbs of Mississippi sharecroppers and Alabama marchers—has not been entirely bulldozed, only the facade remains.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
The 94-year-old edifice, looming majestically over Boyle Heights, stopped taking patients nearly two decades ago.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
These are observations that amount to light chipping away at a marble edifice that was built with other things in mind.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for edifice
Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
But although the edifice built at great expense—by Fannie Lou Hamer, by John Lewis, by the bloodied limbs of Mississippi sharecroppers and Alabama marchers—has not been entirely bulldozed, only the facade remains.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
The 94-year-old edifice, looming majestically over Boyle Heights, stopped taking patients nearly two decades ago.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
These are observations that amount to light chipping away at a marble edifice that was built with other things in mind.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for edifice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for edifice
Noun
-
Just seconds later, local residents recorded on their cellphones the initial stages of the Eaton fire, burning at the base of the tower, known as M16T1.—
Tony Saavedra,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
-
The 89-foot white tower is perhaps the most famous of Door County's 11 historic lighthouses.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
In the background, in the doorway of a crumbling stone building, stands a tiny, faceless figure, her arms held neatly behind her back.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
According to the agenda, the Dallas City Council meeting is to talk about big changes to several city buildings and services.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
While much attention since the fire has focused on rebuilding physical structures, Nemecek said preserving the ranch’s purpose is equally important.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
-
Although the structure itself has been replaced, the site has been home to community gatherings, events, concerts and celebrations for the past 130 years.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Grassroots associations have made sure the posters of the disappeared are visible even at tourist sites, including outside a 17th century cathedral and on bollards at a central roundabout featuring a Roman goddess statue where Mexican soccer fans often celebrate.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
-
Visitors can enjoy traditional dance and music (including choir concerts inside the cathedral), cathedral tours, cooking demos and tributes.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Tyrnauer also plans to use Tribeca Festival’s history to spark a larger conversation about cities, art, and the need for connection, examining how De Niro and Rosenthal harnessed cinema as a form of civic architecture and activism.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
Ukrainian professionals who once worked in finance, information technology, construction, game design and architecture have turned their civilian capabilities to military means.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The framework could be signed by both sides remotely in the next few days, Araghchi said.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
-
Large randomized trials testing specific food protocols don’t yet exist, but the hormonal physiology underlying the general framework is well documented.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Edifice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/edifice. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
