structure 1 of 2

Definition of structurenext
1
as in building
something built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity the only structure on the island is an old Spanish fort—or what's left of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in construction
something put together by arranging or connecting an array of parts the Egyptian pyramids are among the most remarkable structures ever built

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in framework
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form the basic structure of all those tract houses is the same: basically, a box

Synonyms & Similar Words

structure

2 of 2

verb

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 structure
Noun
Fire crews responded to a structure fire at 23 Derby Ave. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026 The backstory Much of the hotel’s structure was originally a convent for the Poor Clare and Salesian orders of the Catholic Church in the 17th century. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
Online platforms structure our personal relationships; algorithms nudge us toward the platform owners’ preferred choices. Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Individual agents will gradually structure knowledge work. John Sviokla, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for structure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for structure
Noun
  • Detectives noted a consistent gait and distinctive walking pattern across videos captured before and after the shooting, including footage showing the suspect circling the area for hours and later walking away from the Barus & Holley building shortly after the gunfire.
    Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University, so the college eats up a lot of the town's space with its buildings and student housing.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • By treating purity as a design parameter, engineers can now develop materials that thrive in the most punishing environments, such as hypersonic flight and extraterrestrial construction.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • In recent months, Israel has greatly expanded construction in Jewish settlements, legalized outposts and made significant bureaucratic changes to its policies in the territory to strengthen its hold and weaken the Palestinian Authority.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Senate should advance ethical AI frameworks, protect privacy, establish clear accountability, invest in workforce retraining programs, and ensure innovation benefits all sectors without undermining safety or civil liberties.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • China is actively building a regulatory framework for the low-altitude economy.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The heels were constructed from a lustrous satin material on the upper and featured a pointed toe design.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Bonds are used to fund brick-and-mortar projects, which include constructing, equipping, maintaining and furnishing district facilities.
    Kendrick Calfee February 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The findings also reinforce that ancient Egyptian innovation extended beyond monumental architecture to practical craftsmanship and toolmaking.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Now that architecture appears to be turned on its head.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Engineers built the platform to scale across mission profiles.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Importantly, it was built to work no matter the weather, wind, or altitude the torch would encounter on its over 7,000-mile-long journey from Olympia, Greece to Milan, Italy.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The project represents more than $10 billion in spending on data center infrastructure and related community development.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Utilities are spending billions of dollars upgrading their aging infrastructure, while data centers are prompting a surge in demand for electricity.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Cannon and Lee formed a partnership at the start of 2019.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The legendary punk rock band formed in California’s East Bay and was a seminal part of the early 1990s Bay Area music scene before going on to massive mainstream success.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/structure. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on structure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!