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pillar

Definition of pillarnext
1
as in pilaster
an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pillar The feature follows the struggle of a small Hungarian village after the fall of communism, and is regarded as one of the most important pillars of the slow cinema movement. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026 The second pillar was quality hourly pay. Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026 The new mediators Qatar, which won its independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, wove in mediation and peaceful resolution of international disputes into its 2004 constitution and emphasized it as a pillar of its foreign policy. Galip Dalay, Time, 6 Jan. 2026 The second pillar is the idea that storytelling itself creates belief and value. John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pillar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillar
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • Sales tax cannibalization Typically, STAR bond districts only capture and divert sales tax revenue generated by anchor developments and other establishments in their immediate vicinity to pay off the debt associated with construction.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
  • When restyling surfaces, Saab suggests sticking to a single anchor piece as an antidote to the excess of the holidays.
    Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Jermaine Eluemunor of the New York Giants, Justin Skule of the Minnesota Vikings, and Braxton Jones of the Chicago Bears could make sense in that column.
    Mike Kaye Updated January 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Presenter Minnie Driver brought even more gleam to the carpet in a strapless column dress with embellished semi-sheer panels plus jewelry by Rahaminov Diamonds and Saidian Vintage Jewels.
    Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In energy, Siemens is working with Commonwealth Fusion Systems to support the development of commercial fusion machines using design software and a unified data backbone.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Padrino López Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, long considered the backbone of Maduro’s survival, remains a critical figure as well.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pillar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillar. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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