Definition of structurenext
1
as in building
something built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity the only structure on the island is an old Spanish fort—or what's left of it

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2
as in construction
something put together by arranging or connecting an array of parts the Egyptian pyramids are among the most remarkable structures ever built

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3
as in framework
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form the basic structure of all those tract houses is the same: basically, a box

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structure

2 of 2

verb

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 structure
Noun
Robyn Ahern’s adaptation keeps Stoker’s structure but makes Mina feel like a true detective. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026 Critics have raised concerns about air and noise pollution, traffic disruptions, and other problems stemming from the structure’s height and location. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
For example, if an instructor wants to assess a student’s ability to structure an argument, using AI to generate an outline would interfere with what the assignment is designed to measure. — Melissa Loble, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 To capitalize on this elevated volatility while maintaining a bullish long-term stance, traders can structure a unique strategy that collects time decay to finance a directional bet. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for structure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for structure
Noun
  • In the mid-1970s, the building housing the Westin opened as the very first Holiday Inn resort in the Caribbean, with Buoy Haus’s beachfront location opening as a low-rise motor inn shortly after.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Others brought up additional findings from KDKA's investigation, noting structural problems inside the building.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Investigators determined that the crash happened about a mile from an active construction zone, where traffic was restricted to a single northbound lane with traffic cones.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • After 144 years of construction, architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, was inaugurated this summer after the final piece of the Tower of Jesus Christ was installed in February.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Within this framework, advanced radar systems serve as a critical component by providing information about potential aerial activity.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • National governments will already be looking at their aviation authority regulations and frameworks and there will be discussions at the European and global level, John Edwards, senior consultant at Gates Aviation in London, said by phone.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Its beauty is only rivalled by the bubbling powder-blue domes of nearby Süleymaniye Mosque, constructed by Mimar Sinan, a contemporary of Michelangelo.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Amentum, by contrast, brings the nuclear safety protocols, systems engineering, and large-scale delivery management needed to construct actual industrial facilities.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Lockheed Martin is developing a new communications architecture with S-band and X-band capabilities.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The backstory Hotel Nikko San Francisco opened in 1987 under the ownership of Takenaka Corporation, one of Japan’s largest architecture and engineering firms, and is part of the Okura Nikko Hotels portfolio.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Her wish list included healthy trees, an extra bedroom for visitors and a house that was either newly built or recently renovated.
    — Heather Senison, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Pat and Jerry Brown as inspirations, citing the younger Brown’s fiscal expertise and the elder’s work to build infrastructure and grow the University of California.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • West Palm Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency has committed up to $21 million for infrastructure and redevelopment reimbursements, plus $1 million more in grants for business build-outs.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The state of Indiana's extended gas tax suspension is costing the state more than $1 billion in road and infrastructure revenue.
    — Tara Molina, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Three factions -- all aligned with Netanyahu's religious-nationalist base -- recommended Netanyahu be given a chance to form a coalition government, while a fourth -- led by a former Netanyahu ally turned rival -- recommended Eisenkot.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Tin lowers the energy barrier for lithium nucleation, helping lithium begin forming at the interface.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/structure. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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