1
as in tower
a large, magnificent, or massive building
the U.S. Capitol is one of our nation's most impressive edifices
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of edifice
The truth risks bringing down the whole edifice, which is why the system writhes to hide who takes decisions large and small.
—
Azadeh Moaveni, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
While cell towers are normally installed in inconspicuous locations to seamlessly integrate into urban landscapes, Echard’s visitors are encouraged to seek out and view this edifice at close range.
—Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Every corner of the island bears witness to physical remnants of the seven nations whose flags once crowned its edifices, giving visitors the impression of exploring a living history book still intact.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
The New York Stock Exchange is 234 years old and its grand stone edifice stands as one of the world’s most enduring symbols of capitalism.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for edifice
Azadeh Moaveni, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
While cell towers are normally installed in inconspicuous locations to seamlessly integrate into urban landscapes, Echard’s visitors are encouraged to seek out and view this edifice at close range.
—Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Every corner of the island bears witness to physical remnants of the seven nations whose flags once crowned its edifices, giving visitors the impression of exploring a living history book still intact.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
The New York Stock Exchange is 234 years old and its grand stone edifice stands as one of the world’s most enduring symbols of capitalism.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for edifice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for edifice
Noun
-
In 2024, the unfinished towers became a major downtown eyesore after graffiti vandals covered at least 25 floors, followed by dangerous stunts including base jumping that were captured on video and widely shared on social media.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The window replacements and other upgrades exposed undisturbed asbestos in the mid-century office tower.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At his orders, cartel henchmen began setting fire to vehicles, gas stations and government buildings and blockaded major highways.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The Ash Street property remains unoccupied, nearly a decade after San Diego city officials first voted to acquire the building without the benefit of an independent property condition report.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But determining how to structure reimbursements would be tricky, as the costs of the tariffs flowed through the economy in the form of customers paying the taxes directly as well as importers either passing along the cost indirectly or absorbing them.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The funding will also allow for construction of an ornamental structure to enhance the park’s performance pavilion, as originally envisioned.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Surveying the city across the tops of the cathedral in Vieuz Lyon, over the rivers Rhone and Saone below, all the way to Mont Blanc on the horizon while the bell towers mark the slow passing of time is an unforgettable pleasure.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
In recent years, the cathedral has scheduled several Masses throughout the day, including early morning, midday and evening services, with overflow seating available to accommodate attendance.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In Poland’s Owl Mountains, an underground Nazi complex lies underneath the fairytale Baroque architecture of Książ Castle.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Surrounded by luxurious homes and lush landscaping, its location is a destination all on its own—offering visitors DIY architecture tours, birdwatching, and mountain views.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The non-binding memorandum of understanding on rare earths establishes a framework for cooperation between the two countries, focusing on reciprocal investment, exploration, mining and artificial intelligence applications, among other issues.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
However, the new framework goes further.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Edifice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/edifice. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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