as in fortresses
a structure or place from which one can resist attack
defenders at the border fortifications preparing for an attack
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Recent Examples of fortifications
In the end, the fortifications that mattered most were those that strengthened Rome against the invaders that could not be seen.
—
Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Some are outfitted with dozens of pounds of explosives to self-destruct near fortifications or bridges.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
Passmore’s magisterial, revisionist account of the Maginot Line—the network of French fortifications built in the 1920s and 1930s to stop a German invasion—challenges the conventional understanding of its role in World War II.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Ammunition, uniforms, and fortifications contribute to GDP but do not improve long-term welfare or capital formation.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 Dec. 2025
But Meier said that, at least on land, artillery will still have its place, especially against an entrenched defender with strong fortifications.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 2025
The plan would also give Russia the Donbas region, comprised of Luhansk and Donetsk, which contain Ukraine's strongest fortifications.
—Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
But Schliemann dug up walls, fortifications and artifacts that proved Troy's existence — as well as the remnants of its conflicts.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Nov. 2025
The dig revealed a stunning snapshot of the southern gate, complete with the fortifications around the city’s edge, exposing the entry point, a tollhouse, the terminus of the main street, and artifacts that continue to illuminate daily life in the former Swedish town.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Some are outfitted with dozens of pounds of explosives to self-destruct near fortifications or bridges.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
Passmore’s magisterial, revisionist account of the Maginot Line—the network of French fortifications built in the 1920s and 1930s to stop a German invasion—challenges the conventional understanding of its role in World War II.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Ammunition, uniforms, and fortifications contribute to GDP but do not improve long-term welfare or capital formation.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 Dec. 2025
But Meier said that, at least on land, artillery will still have its place, especially against an entrenched defender with strong fortifications.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 2025
The plan would also give Russia the Donbas region, comprised of Luhansk and Donetsk, which contain Ukraine's strongest fortifications.
—Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
But Schliemann dug up walls, fortifications and artifacts that proved Troy's existence — as well as the remnants of its conflicts.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Nov. 2025
The dig revealed a stunning snapshot of the southern gate, complete with the fortifications around the city’s edge, exposing the entry point, a tollhouse, the terminus of the main street, and artifacts that continue to illuminate daily life in the former Swedish town.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortifications
Noun
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France believed its Maginot Line of fortresses was impregnable – until the Germans simply went around it.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Meanwhile, history buffs will love exploring the island’s capital via colorful Spanish-colonial architecture and imposing, ancient fortresses like La Fortaleza and El Morro.—
Brittany Chang,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The communities that arose there became, to a near-comical degree, temporary cultural strongholds, crammed with artists, musicians, medics, and academics.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
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These losses have been particularly notable in historically Black strongholds like Bedford-Stuyvesant and Harlem.—
Naomi Jackson,
Curbed,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
City types of a certain age have been dismayed at the loss of one of the Square Mile’s bastions.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Even among these bastions of heritage, however, few private domains can match the singular grandeur of Hillandale.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Royal African Company had acquired forts, ships, and the necessary infrastructure to traffic more than a hundred thousand people from one continent to another.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
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Beyond its white-, black- or golden-sand beaches and historic forts, the island has the opportunity to carve out a new role as a model for responsible travel, one where visitors don’t just take from the island but give back to it.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The story is a bit murkier than Manichaean talk of stormers and citadels.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
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Intelsat’s leadership rapidly green-lighted the campaign to set up internet citadels.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Moreover, Austria offers, as mentioned, an exceptional variety of locations — from breathtaking Alpine landscapes to historic cities, stunning architecture both historical and contemporary, as well as castles and palaces.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2026
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In addition to castles, the Highlands is home to a veritable cornucopia of mythological creatures, the most famous being Nessie of course.—
Patti Nickell,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fortifications.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortifications. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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