strongholds

Definition of strongholdsnext
plural of stronghold

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 strongholds Israel has devastated Gaza in its campaign against Hamas and, in recent weeks, has targeted Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon. Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026 In the traditional Republican strongholds in the 4th Congressional District, which has been trending Democratic in recent years, Bridgeport gave unanimous support for Fazio. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026 Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties are considered Democratic strongholds, while Cobb and Gwinnett counties have increasingly trended Democratic in recent election cycles. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 12 May 2026 Democratic voters in the party’s remaining strongholds in Broward and Palm Beach counties may also have to get used to something unfamiliar — being represented in Congress by a Republican. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2026 This summer, both Boich and Dorfman talk of leveraging the FIFA World Cup, with plans for high-profile events with top soccer players from padel strongholds such as Spain, Argentina, and Italy. Robin Swithinbank, Robb Report, 9 May 2026 Just under two years after winning a landslide national election, Starmer saw voters punish his Labour government, dealing it a blow in some of its traditional strongholds in former industrial regions in central and northern England. Andrew MacAskill, USA Today, 8 May 2026 The picture will change throughout Friday as results come in from the majority of local councils, including Labour strongholds like London. ABC News, 8 May 2026 The big winner is expected to be hard-right party Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, which is aiming for working-class, former Labor strongholds in England’s north and on London’s outer edges with its anti-establishment, anti-immigration message. Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strongholds
Noun
  • And by the turn of the twenty-first century, most of those tiny bungalows had been replaced by sprawling estates—fortresses for the entertainment elite, where Oscar trophies adorned mantels and wealth guarded from disaster.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
  • Any pivot toward diplomacy that includes sanctions relief — whether proposed in Washington or Berlin — ignores the fundamental Machiavellian truth that a regime hated by its own people cannot be saved by its external fortresses, but it can be artificially sustained by foreign gold.
    Liram Koblentz-Stenzler, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the limestone façade, seven-and-a-half acres of historic gardens unfold within the city’s bastions, home to yoga classes in the summer.
    William Jones, USA Today, 18 May 2026
  • Climb the 900-odd steps (or cop out in a car) for a walk through its eight baroque bastions and some breathtaking views.
    Helen Brown, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • French doors open to balconies with views across Chania toward the sea, and the citrus- and olive-filled garden is bound, in part, by the city’s ancient Venetian fortifications.
    Katie Silcox, Vogue, 28 May 2026
  • Cahir Castle Dating from the 13th century, Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved fortifications.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • The story is a bit murkier than Manichaean talk of stormers and citadels.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Intelsat’s leadership rapidly green-lighted the campaign to set up internet citadels.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Because castles are kind of cool.
    Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026
  • From barely recognizable ruins to luxury resorts, Ireland’s castles are favorite destinations on visitors’ itineraries.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Jaipur is also one of India’s premier wedding destinations where ornate palaces and historical forts provide the backdrop for days-long traditional and modern festivities.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 May 2026
  • This nearly four-mile flat path is lined with historic forts, coastal views, and quintessential New England homes to admire.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strongholds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strongholds. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

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