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
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Recent Examples of pillars
Just ask Cakmak, who is doing just that in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has identified the sector as one of its key growth pillars of the future.
—
Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
The strategy focuses on five pillars, including climate action, and a long-term goal to eliminate the discharge of hazardous chemicals, preventing wastewater and air pollution, and enabling the recovery of water and chemistry across the supply chain.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2025
The business world has embraced ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance principles as essential pillars of sustainable enterprise.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Their work at sea unfolded over three months from Liftboat Robert, an oceangoing vessel that, once on site, lowers three enormous pillars to the seafloor and squats above the waves.
—Rodrique Ngowi, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Kittle is obviously one of the pillars of the 49ers' offense and has been so for nearly a decade now.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Interestingly enough, the Institute for Coaching Innovation believes that instead of replacing these human pillars, AI can strengthen them.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
There will be a temptation because of his height to draw parallels with Moyes’ use of Marouane Fellaini and Soucek, two key pillars of his Everton and West Ham sides, but where Rohl is concerned, his size can be deceptive.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Once and Future AUKUS has two pillars.
—Gary Roughead, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
The strategy focuses on five pillars, including climate action, and a long-term goal to eliminate the discharge of hazardous chemicals, preventing wastewater and air pollution, and enabling the recovery of water and chemistry across the supply chain.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2025
The business world has embraced ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance principles as essential pillars of sustainable enterprise.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Their work at sea unfolded over three months from Liftboat Robert, an oceangoing vessel that, once on site, lowers three enormous pillars to the seafloor and squats above the waves.
—Rodrique Ngowi, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Kittle is obviously one of the pillars of the 49ers' offense and has been so for nearly a decade now.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Interestingly enough, the Institute for Coaching Innovation believes that instead of replacing these human pillars, AI can strengthen them.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
There will be a temptation because of his height to draw parallels with Moyes’ use of Marouane Fellaini and Soucek, two key pillars of his Everton and West Ham sides, but where Rohl is concerned, his size can be deceptive.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Once and Future AUKUS has two pillars.
—Gary Roughead, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillars
Noun
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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
-
To counter this anxiety, leaders must become anchors of clarity and support, build trust, and guide their teams through transformational times.—
Kotter,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Ornamental grasses and flowering kale work well as instant anchors in a fall container garden.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The six columns supporting the 90-foot tall mantle represent Cuba’s six traditional provinces.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Marble floors gleamed beneath towering columns, and the chandeliers cast a warm, golden light.—
Maggie Downs,
Oc Register,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Platform product management is rarely treated as a strategic, first-class discipline, resulting in fragmented backbones that fail to support enterprise-wide innovation.—
Gaurav Dixit,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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By trading in metal backbones for a soft familiar-feeling vest, the wearable robot offers a more cost-effective and approachable solution for the millions of individuals worldwide who could possibly benefit from moderate limb support.—
Mack DeGeurin Aug 21,
Popular Science,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pillars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillars. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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