stronghold

noun

ˈstrȯŋ-ˌhōld How to pronounce stronghold (audio)
Definition of strongholdnext
as in fortress
a structure or place from which one can resist attack the island was the pirates' last stronghold in the West Indies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 stronghold Missouri’s sweeping 6th Congressional District, historically a Republican stronghold, stretches across northern Missouri and touches Kansas City’s Northland. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026 Her Popular Party, which has a stronghold in Congress and was key for Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency, was not expected to field a presidential candidate. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 Don’t miss the chance to walk to the 800-year-old Lubra village, which remains a stronghold of the Bon Buddhist beliefs or try some complementary medicine from the on-site Amchi traditional Tibetan doctor. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 The allegations made waves in the conservative stronghold that has been represented by a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for decades. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stronghold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stronghold
  1. fortress
  2. bastion
  3. citadel
  4. fortification
  5. castle
  6. fort
Noun
  • Now an Oda envoy and renowned strategist named Kanbei Kuroda (Masaki Suda) has come to Murashige’s fortress to convince him that resistance is futile.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
  • Someone or something keeps trying to break into the fortress-like building and find something.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
Definition of fortress
Noun
  • With Sir John Hall as chairman, this bastion of stale mediocrity was now forward-thinking and ambitious.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Some of the largest arrays are planned for places that have historically been bastions of anti-solar sentiment.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of bastion
Noun
  • One night, a cockroach breaches his citadel, and Pratt swiftly dispatches it.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Laelaps was sent to chase a fox that was terrorizing the Cadmea, a citadel.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of citadel
Noun
  • The historic military fort overlooks the entrance to the Halifax Harbour and boasts old fortifications, historic artifacts, and unbeatable ocean views.
    — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • That is, in part, because Ukraine has built additional lines of defense with fortifications and minefields.
    — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
Definition of fortification
Noun
  • Some portions of the stone walls at the castle also collapsed as a result of Tuesday’s quake, an official at the castle’s office said.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Just running around wearing cloaks, slinking into and out of castles, slicing the throats of all who cross her.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of castle
Noun
  • Explore the island’s incredible fort and its tunnels and historically significant structures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Officials said the artifacts were safely returned to the fort after law enforcement completed its investigation.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of fort

Browse Nearby Words

strong drinks
stronghold
strongholds
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Cite this Entry

“Stronghold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stronghold. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stronghold

Nglish: Translation of stronghold for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stronghold

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