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
These scans combined with subsequent scans to contribute to a 3D model with detailed representations of the cathedral’s flying buttresses, arches, ribbed vaults, intricate wood carvings and stained glass, guiding the more than $700 million restoration. Ronald Bisio, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 In the best-case scenario, lower rates would help buttress rising prices that are expected to come from the levies. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
Any good Marxist can tell you that the ruling class of any nation will frequently make social concessions as a way of buttressing its brute political power with moral credibility. Book Marks august 7, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025 Any good Marxist can tell you that the ruling class of any nation will frequently make social concessions as a way of buttressing its brute political power with moral credibility. Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buttress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttress
Noun
  • In addition to Western guests, CGTN also uses Western news anchors and correspondents, giving the network an even more legitimate appearance.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Krylon’s brown provides a grounding anchor, adding depth, while C2’s ochre highlights the heavier neutral.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That means no more security updates, patches, or tech support, so now’s the time to upgrade.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 14 Sep. 2025
  • At the same time, maintaining emotional support while encouraging autonomy strikes a healthier balance than enabling avoidance.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Closer Trevor Megill also remains out with a right flexor strain sustained the last week of August.
    Sarah Jean Maher, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Elsewhere in Ukraine, the Giant Ukrainian Radio Telescope in Kharkiv sustained significant damage in 2022 when the region was under Russian occupation.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Instead of predictive policing that reinforces existing biases, envision AI that helps communities understand and address root causes of social problems.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • That’s not the case with the Margaret Dabbs London Nail Strengthening Treatment, which reinforces flimsy fingernails after just one swipe of its brush.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Harried enjoyed a colorful green and purple display with vast pillars reaching high into the sky, as well as a subtle green glow as activity began to wane.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Britain’s ruling Labour party has made AI services and infrastructure, including large new data centers, a key pillar of its economic growth strategy, although the government has been criticized for tax policies that restrict the growth of its tech companies.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Such a move could bolster CSX's own acquisition prospects, Spracklin said.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The case against Cracker Barrel Biglari’s attack on Cracker Barrel began in the early 2010s when his reputation was bolstered by Steak ‘n Shake’s turnaround.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Organizations like the National Institutes of Health continue to recommend moderate to vigorous activity — such as brisk walking, running, or cycling — as the backbone of good health.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Having a strong offensive line is the backbone of any good offense.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This broad participation stems from decades of policy, cultural reinforcement, and institutional support focused on access and engagement.
    Lisa Kidd Hunt, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
  • This pathway drives reward, motivation and behavior reinforcement.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Buttress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttress. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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