buttress 1 of 2

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

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2

buttress

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for a brace buttressed the wall

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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

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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
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
The table on the concourse guarding Section 24 was marked by three wicker baskets, buttressed by a dozen small Kleenex packs and piles of a paper program whose cover featured a warm, welcoming smile. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2025 And unlike in the past, Netanyahu's positions are buttressed by Israeli public opinion. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
  • The Crossroads, with its First Friday celebrations and numerous food and beverage options, seemed like the perfect place to drop anchor.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Major Garrett will become the full-time anchor of America Decides on the CBS News 24/7 streaming network, while continuing as CBS News chief Washington correspondent.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and its chief lobbyist Joel Kaplan have criticised EU tech rules and enlisted the support of U.S. President Donald Trump.
    Foo Yun Chee, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • There's a fine line between removing programs that are considered to be discriminatory by by race and removing programs that speak to a cultural or ethnicity support for students.
    Leila Fadel, NPR, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Whether in China, India, Russia, Turkey, or the United States, nationalism can be sustained only by reverting to this old playbook.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
  • This minimizes context switching, fosters sustained concentration and reduces decision fatigue.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Now, Trump’s executive order banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports has further reinforced her sense of ostracization.
    Amanda Davies, Aleks Klosok and George Ramsay, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Her plan, Jud said, was probably only reinforced after his mom endured the death of Regenhardt on April 25, 2023.
    Tim Botos, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Germany could be one of the countries most exposed to tariffs if they are implemented as exports are a key pillar for its economy.
    Chloe Taylor,Sawdah Bhaimiya,Jenni Reid,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
  • There he is befriended by Tommy, a seeming pillar of the community.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The two-time All-American was a disruptive force against the pass and run in his three seasons with the Wolverines, and would bolster a front seven that already includes Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025
  • While a lower price could be one option, another could be to try to bolster enforcement of the current measure.
    Donato Paolo Mancini Bloomberg, arkansasonline.com, 19 Feb. 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
  • According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), proper introductions, consistent training and positive reinforcement can help dogs and cats develop a trusting relationship.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
  • North Korean reinforcements haven’t improved Russia’s faltering fortunes in Kursk.
    David Axe, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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