fortifications

noun

plural of fortification
as in fortresses
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 fortifications 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 Launched in 2024, MICAS occupies restored 17th-century Floriana fortifications, a former Knights-era poorhouse, and a gunpowder store in Malta’s Baroque capital city Valletta. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 27 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 By the Second World War, pillboxes had become standard defense fortifications. — David Szondy june 23, New Atlas, 23 June 2026 Cannons and fortifications are also on the grounds. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026 Built as a Crusader castle around the 12th century on top of previous fortifications, it has also been used by Saladin’s Jerusalem army, Mamluks, Ottomans, the French and the Palestine Liberation Organization. — Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026 French doors open to balconies with views across Chania toward the sea, and the citrus- and olive-filled garden is bound, in part, by the city’s ancient Venetian fortifications. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortifications
  1. fortresses
  2. strongholds
  3. bastions
  4. forts
  5. citadels
  6. castles
Noun
  • The area’s landscape charms visitors with its green hills, rural farmland, and dramatic medieval castles and fortresses.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The two studio lots also boast dozens of soundstages; century-old fortresses that would not be easily duplicated.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortresses
Noun
  • To a lesser extent, Republicans have traditionally also had districts that were unopposed in their strongholds with longtime incumbents.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed dominated college towns and university counties, while Haley Stevens won more than 60% in Detroit and carried traditional Democratic strongholds.
    — Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of strongholds
Noun
  • 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
  • The property’s infinity pool is one of its defining features, offering sweeping views across the surrounding bastions and historic landscape.
    — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of bastions
Noun
  • The tour, led by Bruce Racond of Revolutionary Tours, promised to take curious attendees to sites rarely seen above 100th Street, from cascading waterfalls to Revolutionary forts.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Increasing Spanish costs for defense, such as building forts and training militia, led to higher taxes and strained local economies.
    — Lindsay Schakenbach Regele, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
Definition of forts
Noun
  • Though the song is heavily acoustic, its distorted guitar solos hail squarely from the realm of harder rock, and the artificial choirs that seep in toward the end seem to call out to the symphonic citadels of the Norwegian black metallers.
    — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
  • One of the oldest citadels in the Middle East, Jerash has seen an unbroken chain of human occupation since the Bronze Age.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Definition of citadels
Noun
  • Ornamental shields and coats of arms are decorated with castles, crosses, lions, flags, and crowns.
    — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The Argentinian prairie is adorned with imaginary houses, castles and theatres as the young girls construct spontaneous, invisible cities, stories and games in which Koberidze’s likewise unseen characters could live.
    — Manahil Tahira, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of castles

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Cite this Entry

“Fortifications.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortifications. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of fortifications for Spanish Speakers

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