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
Think of watching that alfresco, beside a sacred edifice, while trying to digest your tortellini in brodo.
—
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The National Exchange Hotel opened in 1856, a brick edifice that has stood the test of time.
—Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
Indeed, the Supreme Court has been chipping away at this edifice.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
The three connected edifices form a delightful maze of spaces, with stairways and corridors linking the buildings, and six different elevators serving the six floors.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for edifice
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The National Exchange Hotel opened in 1856, a brick edifice that has stood the test of time.
—Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
Indeed, the Supreme Court has been chipping away at this edifice.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
The three connected edifices form a delightful maze of spaces, with stairways and corridors linking the buildings, and six different elevators serving the six floors.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for edifice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for edifice
Noun
-
New towers, bunkers and berms consistent with weapons development have cropped up in satellite imagery of these growing sites.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Nearly 50 years would pass before Gardner climbed that tower again, this time in search of inspiration from the terra cotta friezes of birds of prey and Native American warriors that are carved into the side of the school’s building.—
Diana Lambdin Meyer,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Straight line winds can blow down trees, power lines, and damage mobile homes and other buildings.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
There was always at least one letter missing from the words Racquet Club on the outside of the building.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Flares such as this one reveal the presence of incredibly large stars near the hearts of galaxies and shed light on the very structure of galaxies, Ford said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
This modularity allows researchers to easily tailor specific functions — such as efficient ionic conduction — into the material without compromising the fundamental stability or overall structure.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, a nonprofit founded in 2017, has led international fundraising efforts to rebuild and restore the cathedral.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
As Lorentz tied the knot with his bride Jade, the cathedral was filled with bright lights, candles and statues.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Expansive lawns, multiple patios, and intimate courtyards throughout the property create spaces for gatherings of any size, while the careful integration of architecture and landscape—bridges, circular entryways, waterfalls, and streams—ensures a sense of discovery at every turn.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Adopting the Southern view, the Supreme Court issued opinions that severely undermined the legal architecture of Reconstruction.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Dual‑level engineering of metal–organic framework Taking on this challenge, the team showcased dual‑level engineering of metal–organic framework (MOF)‑derived hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers for high‑performance lithium–sulfur batteries.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Privacy and civil liberties advocates also warn these surveillance tools represent a grave threat and say there is not a sufficient regulatory framework in place or oversight to ensure federal agents are using new technologies in a way that protects privacy and constitutional rights.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Edifice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/edifice. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share