1
as in pilasters
an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure
the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops
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2
as in anchors
something or someone to which one looks for support
my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis
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Recent Examples of pillars
Beyond them, the concrete of the 21st century falls away, replaced by creamy pillars and marble paving stretching into the distance, with green hills beyond.
—
Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Reducing bureaucracy and streamlining industry fees are key pillars of achieving sustenance and making Nigerian producers competitive.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
One of the main pillars was the communal bond between all the principal players — NASCAR executives, team owners, drivers, sponsors and media partners — forged during fishing trips, jaunts in New York City or other fun outings away from the track.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
There are two main pillars of challenges, according to Sandler, that a COP for space could address.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 9 Feb. 2026
The first images viewers saw were the introductions of the coaches and quarterbacks for each side, generals and lieutenants, twin pillars of the franchises.
—CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
This approach is supported by several interconnected pillars that help shape the structure of Pet Parent.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
NBCUniversal is continuing its coverage of the Games, with NBC and Peacock the twin pillars, but a significant maneuver last month changed the corporate structure a bit.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2026
As Cesare Brandi, the father of restoration, says, the two main pillars on which modern restoration philosophy is based are aesthetics and history.
—Camilla Alcini, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2026
Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Reducing bureaucracy and streamlining industry fees are key pillars of achieving sustenance and making Nigerian producers competitive.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
One of the main pillars was the communal bond between all the principal players — NASCAR executives, team owners, drivers, sponsors and media partners — forged during fishing trips, jaunts in New York City or other fun outings away from the track.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
There are two main pillars of challenges, according to Sandler, that a COP for space could address.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 9 Feb. 2026
The first images viewers saw were the introductions of the coaches and quarterbacks for each side, generals and lieutenants, twin pillars of the franchises.
—CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
This approach is supported by several interconnected pillars that help shape the structure of Pet Parent.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
NBCUniversal is continuing its coverage of the Games, with NBC and Peacock the twin pillars, but a significant maneuver last month changed the corporate structure a bit.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2026
As Cesare Brandi, the father of restoration, says, the two main pillars on which modern restoration philosophy is based are aesthetics and history.
—Camilla Alcini, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillars
Noun
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In the end, Laffrey, whose Broadway credits include Maybe Happy Ending and Parade, settled for using an iPhone app to record the size of pilasters and mullioned mirrors.—
Carey Purcell,
Architectural Digest,
27 Oct. 2025
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With pilasters, a limestone facade, and classic symmetrical design, the three-story building exemplifies the Beaux-Arts style popular at the turn of the 20th century, grand but not ostentatious.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While excavating the River Wear, archaeologists uncovered more than 800 whetstones — stone tools that were used to sharpen weapons and other tools — as well as 11 stone anchors believed to be linked to river transport.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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So what does that mean for metro Des Moines, where companies like Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Nationwide Mutual Insurance are anchors of the Iowa capital's downtown?—
Bill Steiden,
Des Moines Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The new triangular gable, which was first seen in renderings shared in July by the White House, sat atop six columns.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
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His columns, exclusive to the Tribune, now appear the first week of every month.—
Steve Chapman,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Many are Latin American or African immigrants working in the agricultural, tourism or service sectors, backbones of Spain’s booming economy.—
Renata Brito,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
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In the economy of tomorrow, community colleges and vocational-technical schools—optimized for true lifelong learning with apprenticeship and mentorship programs—will likely be the backbones of public and private education alike.—
Eric Holcomb,
Time,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pillars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillars. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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