1
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support
the mother had always been the buttress of our family in trying times
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
after the wall collapsed, the construction company agreed to rebuild it with a buttress
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in to reinforce
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea)
a mass of circumstantial evidence buttresses the prosecutor's case
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 buttress
Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024
Its pointed arches, flying buttresses and piers sprouting ribs that branched like spider webs helped usher in the Gothic age.
—Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 22 Jan. 2025
Hudson buttressed Al Kooper’s original organ part into a chordal fortress, part of an incendiary performance that surges to peak after peak.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buttress
Noun
The chapel reflected the Gothic Revival style with a high gabled slate roof, long, narrow Gothic arched windows with limestone surround and brick turret buttresses at the corners, according to the St. Joseph Historic Area Preservation Plan from 1991.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024
Its pointed arches, flying buttresses and piers sprouting ribs that branched like spider webs helped usher in the Gothic age.
—Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
After slashing nearly 9,000 jobs, Nissan is trying to merge with Honda to buttress itself against fast-growing Chinese automakers.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 22 Jan. 2025
Hudson buttressed Al Kooper’s original organ part into a chordal fortress, part of an incendiary performance that surges to peak after peak.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
-
Other prominent commencement speakers who’ve been recently announced include actress Jane Seymour at High Point University, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) at Albion College, Today show anchor Al Roker at Siena College, and Grammy-winning performer Usher at Emory University . .—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Each anchor has a channel with two upward-bent grooves.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The Context Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week entered its fourth year, with the U.S. previously providing billions in military and humanitarian support.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
-
And while Republicans control the federal government, their narrow congressional majorities will necessitate at least some Democratic support, particularly in the Senate, to pass such a measure.—
Geoffrey Skelley,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The veteran lineman played well during his first season as an NFL starting center before sustaining the notable injury in Week 5.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2025
-
The country's fertility rate last year stood at just 1.0 births per woman, far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to sustain population growth.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
While none of the concepts discussed are new, Buffett reinforced insights relevant to the current state of investing, particularly Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance business.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
The Grecian-style sleeveless gown was reinforced in the midsection but otherwise draped loosely toward the ground.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
By focusing on these 13 key pillars, India is weaving a future where tradition meets technology, and growth is inclusive and sustainable.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Since the brand’s beginnings, Valeria Campello has built the lingerie company’s pillars on fostering individuality, confidence, and femininity.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Poland, Spain, and Lithuania quickly responded to bolster Ukraine's position.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Use your learnings to bolster your security controls and processes—installing new security systems, improving security monitoring, training staff, tightening network access controls, and adjusting your incident response, business continuity, and recovery plans. 7.—
Michelle Drolet,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Nvidia, the leader in the AI chip space, has been the backbone of the Mag 7′s performance over the past couple of years, with its stock surging nearly 1,800% over five years due to the AI boom.—
Jeff Kilburg,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2025
-
So those were all written into the backbone of the story, but then the modulation became my job of finding the inner world.—
Josh Wigler,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
By the 2010s, deep learning combined with RL gave rise to deep reinforcement learning (DRL).—
Dhivya Nagasubramanian,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The Celtics did receive reinforcements in the form of Jaylen Brown and Luke Kornet, who both were upgraded from questionable to available before tipoff against the Cavs.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share