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 flying buttress
An aerodynamic channel in the rear pillar creates a flying buttress, while the roof is painted black.
—
Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 11 Nov. 2021
Details – rose windows, gargoyles, flying buttresses – came gradually.
—Mike Hughes, Cincinnati.com, 26 Apr. 2020
The vault is punctured by three gaping holes, and the flying buttresses are propped up by giant wooden blocks.
—Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2020
And the damage threatened the delicate balance of forces between the vault and the cathedral’s flying buttresses: The entire building teetered on possible collapse.
—Christa Lesté-Lasserre, Science | AAAS, 12 Mar. 2020
See All Example Sentences for flying buttress
Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 11 Nov. 2021
Details – rose windows, gargoyles, flying buttresses – came gradually.
—Mike Hughes, Cincinnati.com, 26 Apr. 2020
The vault is punctured by three gaping holes, and the flying buttresses are propped up by giant wooden blocks.
—Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2020
And the damage threatened the delicate balance of forces between the vault and the cathedral’s flying buttresses: The entire building teetered on possible collapse.
—Christa Lesté-Lasserre, Science | AAAS, 12 Mar. 2020
See All Example Sentences for flying buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flying buttress
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
Noun
-
Hogan finished second to that same trans athlete in the sectional final last season, and went viral for stepping up to the first-place pedestal after the trans athlete stepped down.—
Jackson Thompson OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
Create a sculpture trail by adding unique plant pedestals and pots as well as sculptures and glass lawn ornaments.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
The suit notes that wood, dirt and pine needles generally do not show up on X-rays.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
-
To take off from or land at Paro, pilots have to thread the needle through some of the highest mountains on earth—with no radar guidance and a final turn on approach that happens just 30 seconds before touchdown.—
Chris Dong,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flying buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flying%20buttress. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
