as in fortresses
a structure or place from which one can resist attack
the island was the pirates' last stronghold in the West Indies
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Recent Examples of strongholds
Several clinics that provide gender-affirming care, including some in Democratic strongholds, have shut down in recent months due to the Administration’s threats to cut federal funding for medical facilities that provide such care to transgender and nonbinary youth.
—
Solcyré Burga, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
In addition to being Democratic strongholds, Chicago and Illinois have long been destinations for immigrants.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Daily reports from the Election Department show GOP strongholds beating early-vote numbers from 2020, while traditionally Democratic areas are mostly trailing.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
However, Democrats do not have enough strongholds to cancel out new GOP seats if red states such as Missouri, Florida, Indiana, and Ohio all redraw their maps.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
The takeover and occupation of the largest city in northern Gaza, which Netanyahu said is one of the last Hamas strongholds, will require the Israeli military to bring in 60,000 more reserve troops and extend the service of another 20,000, in addition to those already called up.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Turkish Air Force operations over the years have invariably targeted enemy targets, mainly Kurdish, in northern Syria and the mountain strongholds of the Kurdish PKK group in Iraqi Kurdistan.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
And Gaza City is a huge urban area – the main city, suburbs, and a collection of dense, overpopulated refugee camps that are Hamas strongholds.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 23 Aug. 2025
Just take a gander at the rare number of open congressional seats in the Chicago area alone — four, all in Democratic strongholds.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Solcyré Burga, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
In addition to being Democratic strongholds, Chicago and Illinois have long been destinations for immigrants.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Daily reports from the Election Department show GOP strongholds beating early-vote numbers from 2020, while traditionally Democratic areas are mostly trailing.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
However, Democrats do not have enough strongholds to cancel out new GOP seats if red states such as Missouri, Florida, Indiana, and Ohio all redraw their maps.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
The takeover and occupation of the largest city in northern Gaza, which Netanyahu said is one of the last Hamas strongholds, will require the Israeli military to bring in 60,000 more reserve troops and extend the service of another 20,000, in addition to those already called up.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Turkish Air Force operations over the years have invariably targeted enemy targets, mainly Kurdish, in northern Syria and the mountain strongholds of the Kurdish PKK group in Iraqi Kurdistan.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
And Gaza City is a huge urban area – the main city, suburbs, and a collection of dense, overpopulated refugee camps that are Hamas strongholds.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 23 Aug. 2025
Just take a gander at the rare number of open congressional seats in the Chicago area alone — four, all in Democratic strongholds.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strongholds
Noun
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Sleek architecture marries centuries-old fortresses—while locals swap skis for kayaks, depending on the season.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Inextricably tied to the D-Day invasion of World War II, this northern French region of orchards, dairies, horse farms and seaside villages along the English Channel draws visitors who come to honor the fallen or visit famous medieval fortresses and abbeys.—
Seth Sherwood,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Budapest, Hungary Cradled by the Danube’s curves, Budapest is a city where medieval bastions meet Ottoman bathhouses steaming beside Bauhaus blocks.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The Republican president has repeatedly criticized both Washington and Chicago — Democratic bastions led by Black mayors — for out-of-control street crime, despite crime rates dropping in the two cities.—
Daniel C. Vock,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
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During the Civil War, fortifications at Camp Reynolds on the island’s southwest side were constructed to protect San Francisco against Confederate attack.—
Don Sproul,
Oc Register,
9 Sep. 2025
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Intrepid visitors can explore the remnants of 5,000-year-old temples tucked away on clifftops (such as the Wardija Punic temple in Dwerja), sip fresh water from centuries-old springs, and walk the walls of 16th-century fortifications.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Intelsat’s leadership rapidly green-lighted the campaign to set up internet citadels.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Then there are medieval castles.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Kids love the beaches and castles, while grandparents enjoy the relaxed pace and beautiful landscapes.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Throughout it there are forts, full-size wooden galleons and signs hung on what appear to be Persian rugs.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Spend your days exploring art galleries, visiting historical landmarks like forts and castles along the coast, and experiencing the rich Ashanti culture in Kumasi.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strongholds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strongholds. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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