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 Yang has described the goal as building DRX into a digital entertainment company that keeps esports as one pillar among several, with Southeast Asia named as a priority region for that growth – a strategy the Jakarta signing puts into practice. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Five pillars of a new team in place with three weeks to spare. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 With these pillars in place, those who have often been overlooked can achieve meaningful and lasting growth in their well-being. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Everyone always talks about faith, family and football — those are the three pillars. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pillar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillar
Noun
  • The small saints on side pilasters were sold off on the antiques market.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Even now, its fins and pilasters adorn plenty of new construction, and in real-estate-speak, the phrase is code for high class.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • The dreamy setting is an ideal spot to drop anchor for a relaxing swim, snorkel, and linger over a bottle of local wine under umbrella pine trees buzzing with cicadas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Howard, a mother of five, called her son energetic and an anchor for his younger siblings.
    Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For nearly four decades, Jeanne Phillips wrote the column, which was founded in 1956 by her mother, Pauline Phillips.
    Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • To get back in the win column following a brutal road swing, the Washington Nationals needed a little bit of help.
    Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The tablet combines bictegravir, the backbone of Gilead’s blockbuster HIV pill Biktarvy, with lenacapavir, a first-in-class capsid inhibitor that has become a centerpiece of the company’s long-term strategy for HIV treatment and prevention.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Combine drought with fire and the backbone of the Everglades — its marshy peat soil — also becomes more vulnerable.
    Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pillar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillar. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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