superstructure
noun
su·per·struc·ture
ˈsü-pər-ˌstrək-chər 
1
a
: an entity, concept, or complex based on a more fundamental one
b
: social institutions (such as the law or politics) that are in Marxist theory erected upon the economic base
2
: a structure built as a vertical extension of something else: such as
a
: all of a building above the basement
b
: the structural part of a ship above the main deck
Examples of superstructure in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Featuring a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the SeaClub 53 offers a generous internal volume of 499 GT.
—
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 July 2024
The Gold Star Memorial Bridge was originally constructed in 1943, and a major superstructure rehabilitation was performed in the 1970s.
—Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2024
The expansion of Kurdish control to Arab-majority cities along the Euphrates has required compromise with local Arab populations and the integration of Arab recruits and militias into the SDF superstructure.
—Aaron Stein, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 2018
The Federal Highway Administration maintains a public database of bridge ratings in every state that considers multiple parts of a bridge’s structure, including the deck, superstructure, substructure and culvert.
—Devon Milley, Sacramento Bee, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for superstructure 
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 July 2024
The Gold Star Memorial Bridge was originally constructed in 1943, and a major superstructure rehabilitation was performed in the 1970s.
—Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2024
The expansion of Kurdish control to Arab-majority cities along the Euphrates has required compromise with local Arab populations and the integration of Arab recruits and militias into the SDF superstructure.
—Aaron Stein, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 2018
The Federal Highway Administration maintains a public database of bridge ratings in every state that considers multiple parts of a bridge’s structure, including the deck, superstructure, substructure and culvert.
—Devon Milley, Sacramento Bee, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for superstructure
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superstructure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near superstructure
Cite this Entry
“Superstructure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superstructure. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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