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
Covering the sarcophagus Yellow daffodils bloom beside wartime fortifications at the Chernobyl plant as workers in ordinary clothes, with badges and special permits, pass through the restricted zone.
—
Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
The fortifications on the southern and western sides stretch 1,312 feet long, predating the 1st-century legionary camp for which Vindonissa is famous.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
Yellow daffodils bloom beside wartime fortifications at the Chernobyl plant as workers in ordinary clothes, with badges and special permits, pass through the restricted zone.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
The area that would be renamed Donnyland under the plan is 50 miles long and 40 miles wide, but holds Ukraine’s best fortifications.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
Over many years, Iran has built underground fortifications and facilities to protect its missile and drone inventory.
—Daniel Kurtzer, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
Star fortifications started in Italy, were perfected in France (especially by the prolific Vauban), and dominated the European military scene for the entire 17th and 18th centuries, giving Europe’s strategic cities and landscapes a distinctive architectural look.
—Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
And now our- General Caine, Secretary Hegseth, are leading a campaign to destroy all the fortifications along the straits of Hormuz.
—NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026
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
Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
The fortifications on the southern and western sides stretch 1,312 feet long, predating the 1st-century legionary camp for which Vindonissa is famous.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
Yellow daffodils bloom beside wartime fortifications at the Chernobyl plant as workers in ordinary clothes, with badges and special permits, pass through the restricted zone.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
The area that would be renamed Donnyland under the plan is 50 miles long and 40 miles wide, but holds Ukraine’s best fortifications.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
Over many years, Iran has built underground fortifications and facilities to protect its missile and drone inventory.
—Daniel Kurtzer, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
Star fortifications started in Italy, were perfected in France (especially by the prolific Vauban), and dominated the European military scene for the entire 17th and 18th centuries, giving Europe’s strategic cities and landscapes a distinctive architectural look.
—Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
And now our- General Caine, Secretary Hegseth, are leading a campaign to destroy all the fortifications along the straits of Hormuz.
—NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortifications
Noun
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The eccentric design of Olana was inspired by fortresses in Persia (where, curiously, Church hadn’t travelled), as well as Italian, East Indian, Gothic Revival, and French Second Empire architecture.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism.—
Christin Parcerisa Vigueras,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Democratic voters in the party’s remaining strongholds in Broward and Palm Beach counties may also have to get used to something unfamiliar — being represented in Congress by a Republican.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2026
-
This summer, both Boich and Dorfman talk of leveraging the FIFA World Cup, with plans for high-profile events with top soccer players from padel strongholds such as Spain, Argentina, and Italy.—
Robin Swithinbank,
Robb Report,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Climb the 900-odd steps (or cop out in a car) for a walk through its eight baroque bastions and some breathtaking views.—
Helen Brown,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
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The surge in costs reflects a major shift for Chicago, known as one of the last bastions of big-city affordability.—
Bloomberg,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In addition to exploring the forts and lighthouses, families can enjoy coastal trails, bird-watching, and stargazing.—
Dave Parfitt,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
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Even populous British colonies like Virginia and Pennsylvania grew blurry on their western frontiers, where indistinct borders were protected by a few lonely forts.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 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
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The Torrent de Pareis gorge, clifftop castles and sea-facing ridgelines reward the climb.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 May 2026
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So is touring the castles of Spain, or seeing the Arctic fjords in Greenland.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fortifications.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortifications. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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