pillars

noun

plural of pillar
1
as in pilasters
an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in anchors
something or someone to which one looks for support my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pillars Each strike and counterstrike chipped away at the pillars of the agreement, which has now collapsed, though there are still efforts to salvage it. — ABC News, 18 July 2026 The brighter silver paint contrasting the greenhouse and A and D pillars against the darker bronze lower body somewhat detracts from the overall look. — ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026 Flawless routines and loads of amenities were once seen as the ultimate pillars of hospitality. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026 The presentation contained many of the foundational pillars that would constitute the future crown jewel of Marvel’s offerings on Disney+. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026 In June 2023, a park visitor noticed a clearly visible crack in one of the track’s support pillars. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 Industrial and real estate investment plunged in the first half of the year, indicating that such longtime pillars of the Chinese economy are becoming less reliable in offsetting slow consumption. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 This story outlined how teachers at one Louisville private school design instruction around five pillars to meet the needs of students with dyslexia or ADHD. — Mary Irby-Jones, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 July 2026 The global spa industry hit roughly $157 billion in 2025, per Grand View Research, and cold therapy is one of its fastest-growing pillars. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillars
  1. pilasters
  2. anchors
  3. columns
  4. backbones
Noun
  • Even now, its fins and pilasters adorn plenty of new construction, and in real-estate-speak, the phrase is code for high class.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026
  • In the end, Laffrey, whose Broadway credits include Maybe Happy Ending and Parade, settled for using an iPhone app to record the size of pilasters and mullioned mirrors.
    — Carey Purcell, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of pilasters
Noun
  • The goal isn’t to slow down every part of the day but rather to build a few slow anchors that keep the rest from spinning out.
    — Allison Palmer July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
  • Later, the co-anchors were joined by their spouses, Lindsay Czarniak and Mike Feldman, respectively, to take in the World Cup match in which Norway upset Brazil at MetLife Stadium.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • The footer is the heavy concrete foundation pad in the ground supporting the ride’s columns and beams that hold the track up.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026
  • Pinta hosted card-writing parties and spread the word on social media and through my columns and, all told, sent out around 2,100 cards that year.
    — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of columns
Noun
  • Look under rocks for macroinvertebrates (animals without backbones, like stoneflies).
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2026
  • Data centers also need to be close enough to users and network backbones to provide fast digital services.
    — Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 16 June 2026
Definition of backbones

Browse Nearby Words

pillar
pillars
pillbox
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Cite this Entry

“Pillars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillars. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pillars

Nglish: Translation of pillars for Spanish Speakers

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