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 historic military fort overlooks the entrance to the Halifax Harbour and boasts old fortifications, historic artifacts, and unbeatable ocean views. — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 That is, in part, because Ukraine has built additional lines of defense with fortifications and minefields. — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026 Abbott has proposed a $400 million roof fortification program. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026 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 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
  • The Roman city of Cologne and a legionary fortress in Bonn were also nearby — raising the possibility of a military connection.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Supporters of the movement gathered in New Delhi Saturday despite the capital turning into a fortress to keep out protesters.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of fortress
Noun
  • The Republican strongholds of the Texas Panhandle and deep East Texas could also help reveal the statewide political picture.
    — Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Alberta is considered a conservative stronghold, but the Liberal Party has led the country for over a decade.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of stronghold
Noun
  • And yet Trump wants to turn the White House and an outpost on the Potomac into similar citadels, with little regard for why America’s capital city was named for one of its greatest examples of unadorned republican virtue.
    — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Castellón To the north, Castellón unfolds as a mountainous marvel where medieval citadels, golden beaches, and tiny fishing villages create a landscape of contrasts, with the scent of citrus perfuming the air.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of citadel
Noun
  • Although some Republicans have derided the state Supreme Court as being a bastion of liberal activists, five of the Supreme Court’s seven judges were appointed by Republican governors.
    — Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 15 Oct. 2026
  • And with Democrats in hegemonic control of Sacramento, the state had become the country’s preeminent bastion of liberal values and policies.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of bastion
Noun
  • For eclipse day, the long, sandy Playa de la Victoria offers plenty of open space, while La Caleta provides a more historic setting between two coastal castles.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Decked out with Old Master paintings, tapestries, and grand staircases, the castle is available to rent for special occasions, with 15 bedrooms that sleep up to 27 guests.
    — Nicholas DeRenzo, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of castle
Noun
  • Black public figures mingle with slave forts and the most vaunted creations of high art.
    — Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In Stone Town, palaces, forts, and winding streets speak to centuries of trade across the Indian Ocean.
    — Cherri Briggs, Travel + Leisure, 13 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fortification

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fortification

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