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
Even though the border was relatively quiet for years, Israel also prepared for the next war with Hezbollah, gathering intelligence and building its own fortifications.
—
Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the deadly strike was caused by an Iranian weapon that made it through both air defenses and the operations center's fortifications.
—CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
There has been a gradual and then increasingly rapid erosion of their defensive fortifications.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
An excavator was levelling the ground to build more fortifications.
—Elizabeth Flock, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
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
Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the deadly strike was caused by an Iranian weapon that made it through both air defenses and the operations center's fortifications.
—CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
There has been a gradual and then increasingly rapid erosion of their defensive fortifications.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
An excavator was levelling the ground to build more fortifications.
—Elizabeth Flock, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortifications
Noun
-
Surface tanks are targets; subsurface reservoirs are fortresses.—
Siddharth Misra,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
-
France believed its Maginot Line of fortresses was impregnable – until the Germans simply went around it.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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While Machar is currently on trial for offenses including treason, fighting has intensified in areas seen as his strongholds, where government troops are trying to disperse the rebels.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Paxton relied on conservative strongholds in outer suburbs and rural areas to remain competitive.—
Taylor Nichols,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Mar. 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
-
History buffs can explore forts, museums, and historic homes, while art aficionados discover vibrant street murals, world-class collections, and intimate galleries tucked away in seaside towns.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Mar. 2026
-
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
Noun
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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
-
Ahead, 10 of the best castles on Airbnb from around the world.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The British monarchy is known for their lavish castles and estates, which often leave the public in awe.—
Elle Meier,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fortifications.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortifications. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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