1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

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

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 Since 2023, Interparfums launched new extensions and collections to put in place pillars including Uomo, Just Cavalli and Marbleous. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 Once inside, curved cherrywood ceilings and tree-like pillars tower over the tables, booths and bar for a cinematic effect. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 Adapt To Meet Local Nuances Evergreen brand pillars need to meet local nuances. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 The House on Wednesday passed a broad package of sanctions targeting Russian officials and key pillars of its economy as lawmakers look to deprive President Vladimir Putin of the financial resources needed to wage the war against Ukraine. — Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2026 The agency also suggested workforce development, technological innovation, new care models, and sustained access as pillars for the funding. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 14 Sep. 2026 The pillars of the village are gradually being deconstructed. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026 Its bottom is lined with soft, soupy silt that makes traditional bridge pillars impossible. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 Indoor and outdoor pillars, nightlights, fun, unique designs and more. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillars
  1. pilasters
  2. anchors
  3. columns
  4. backbones
Noun
  • The small saints on side pilasters were sold off on the antiques market.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of pilasters
Noun
  • The strap anchors between the first two toes with a smooth leather toe post, holding the foot securely while leaving the sides and back of the foot exposed in a classic mule style.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Easy-access child seat anchors add to its family-friendly appeal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • The restaurant itself is spectacular, featuring a water fountain at its center and original Roman columns.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The new design uses 17 extraction columns across four core processing sections to handle tasks that previously required over 70 conventional tanks.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of columns
Noun
  • The structural backbones of the phalanges are 3D-printed from PLA, while soft silicone interfaces provide friction and compliance when the fingers contact a branch.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
  • More specifically, insects are invertebrates (animals without backbones) and are part of the arthropod phylum, which also includes spiders, crabs, and centipedes.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of backbones

Browse Nearby Words

pillar
pillars
pillbox
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pillars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillars. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of volition

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18
See More

Popular

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
crayons-in-a-circle
Guess the Color Quiz Questions that use the whole box of crayons.
See All