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
Relevance
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
For 80 years, the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has been one of those indispensable pillars of service.
—
Robert J Bianchi, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
Steel support pillars driven into the caves have caused rust and iron pollution in the water, and falling stalactites are making some cenotes unsafe to explore.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
Steel support pillars driven into the caves have caused rust and iron pollution in the water.
—Ryan Brennan
april 4, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Throughout the property, the original building's bones— beams, tiles, pillars, and window frames—were gently restored to show their age and patina, not conceal it.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
And even in their weight these buildings are even, equal configurations in their overall size and width, with pillars that were built for the floods or for the quakes.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
One of the pillars of the Tongan Polynesian culture is to respect your elders.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
If your patio has pillars, try hanging outdoor patio curtains to enjoy a shaded spot or protection from rain or wind.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026
Together, the six pillars are intended to support balanced and sustainable growth across the country.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Robert J Bianchi, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
Steel support pillars driven into the caves have caused rust and iron pollution in the water, and falling stalactites are making some cenotes unsafe to explore.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
Steel support pillars driven into the caves have caused rust and iron pollution in the water.
—Ryan Brennan
april 4, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Throughout the property, the original building's bones— beams, tiles, pillars, and window frames—were gently restored to show their age and patina, not conceal it.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
And even in their weight these buildings are even, equal configurations in their overall size and width, with pillars that were built for the floods or for the quakes.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
One of the pillars of the Tongan Polynesian culture is to respect your elders.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
If your patio has pillars, try hanging outdoor patio curtains to enjoy a shaded spot or protection from rain or wind.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026
Together, the six pillars are intended to support balanced and sustainable growth across the country.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillars
Noun
-
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
-
With pilasters, a limestone facade, and classic symmetrical design, the three-story building exemplifies the Beaux-Arts style popular at the turn of the 20th century, grand but not ostentatious.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
With an early Season 3 renewal already secured, Your Friends & Neighbors continues to build on its sharp examination of privilege, consequence and the human need for connection, with Hall’s Ali Cooper emerging as one of its more compelling emotional anchors.—
Scott Shilstone,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2026
-
To stabilize the suspension system, tunnel anchors (deep chambers in the rock to secure the main cables) were dug about 310 feet (94 meters) deep for each bridge tower.—
Aman Kumar,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The structure now sits gutted with explosives attached to its concrete columns, which officials say will ensure a smoother implosion.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Get lost among the pines and palmettos of an ancient maritime forest at Hunting Island State Park, catch a striking sunset over the Beaufort River, and marvel at the columns and sweeping porches of stately mansions on Historic Craven Street.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Hundreds of animals with backbones are still being discovered every single year.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
-
To start the new Mideast war, Donnie acted on his own with no resistance from his sycophants, who have no backbones.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pillars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillars. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
