fortification

noun

ˌfȯr-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce fortification (audio)
Definition of fortificationnext
as in fortress
a structure or place from which one can resist attack defenders at the border fortifications preparing for an attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 fortification The discovery was made beneath an Israelite-period ritual deposit and adjacent to an ancient Canaanite fortification wall, according to the excavation team. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026 Layered air-defense systems Iran complements physical fortification with air-defense systems positioned around strategically important military and industrial areas. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026 Spanish forces completed the coquina stone fortress in 1695 on the site of an earlier wooden fortification. — Lane Degregory, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026 The serene and sumptuous rooms at Patina have tatami mat daybeds plus washi paper headboards inspired by Osaka Castle’s impressive granite fortifications. — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortification
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortification
  1. fortress
  2. stronghold
  3. citadel
  4. bastion
  5. castle
  6. fort
Noun
  • Now an Oda envoy and renowned strategist named Kanbei Kuroda (Masaki Suda) has come to Murashige’s fortress to convince him that resistance is futile.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
  • Someone or something keeps trying to break into the fortress-like building and find something.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
Definition of fortress
Noun
  • Continue reading … URBAN BET — Coastal workers fleeing blue strongholds could create an opportunity for Detroit.
    — , FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
  • One stronghold after another has fallen to the ruthless conqueror Nobunaga Oda—often celebrated as the first great unifier of Japan but here cast as a largely offscreen mega-villain.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Definition of stronghold
Noun
  • One night, a cockroach breaches his citadel, and Pratt swiftly dispatches it.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Laelaps was sent to chase a fox that was terrorizing the Cadmea, a citadel.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of citadel
Noun
  • With Sir John Hall as chairman, this bastion of stale mediocrity was now forward-thinking and ambitious.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Some of the largest arrays are planned for places that have historically been bastions of anti-solar sentiment.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of bastion
Noun
  • Some portions of the stone walls at the castle also collapsed as a result of Tuesday’s quake, an official at the castle’s office said.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Just running around wearing cloaks, slinking into and out of castles, slicing the throats of all who cross her.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of castle
Noun
  • Explore the island’s incredible fort and its tunnels and historically significant structures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Officials said the artifacts were safely returned to the fort after law enforcement completed its investigation.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of fort

Browse Nearby Words

forthwith
fortification
fortifications
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Cite this Entry

“Fortification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortification. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fortification

Nglish: Translation of fortification for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fortification

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