Synonyms of pillars

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

• pilasters
• columns
• piers
• stanchions
• posts
• pedestals
• buttresses
• caryatids
• obelisks
• pilings
• piles
• needles
• flying buttresses

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

• anchors
• backbones
• buttresses
• mainstays
• crutches
• standbys
• spines
• sinews
• dependences
• reliances
• props
• right hands
• refuges
• handmaidens
• anchorages
• stays
• harbors
• bolsterers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pillars

Volkswagen’s prosperity was recently based on two pillars – huge profits earned in China, and the highly successful German base where its engineers led the world for decades in making and exporting advanced sedans and SUVs. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Narrower set of engines Next week's nonfarm payrolls report could also give some reassurance on how the economy is doing, which remains robust but with weakening pillars of support. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

The cost of achieving the American Dream surpassed $5 million in 2025, according to a comprehensive analysis by Investopedia—the cumulative lifetime cost of eight pillars of middle-class aspiration, nearly $600,000 higher than the year before. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

As the house begins to rise, the crew stacks wooden cribbing, like Lincoln Logs, into pillars underneath, to help support the structure. — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026

With these pillars in place, those who have often been overlooked can achieve meaningful and lasting growth in their well-being. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Everyone always talks about faith, family and football — those are the three pillars. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus’ core group of Zach Werenski and Adam Fantilli are pillars to build around, and the Blue Jackets have some good secondary young talent too. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Those two pillars — the Fosse and Harpman — allowed the Levys to open their office in Oakland in 2024. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026