substructure

noun

sub·​struc·​ture ˈsəb-ˌstrək-chər How to pronounce substructure (audio)
Synonyms of substructurenext
: an underlying or supporting part of a structure
substructural
ˈsəb-ˌstrək-chə-rəl How to pronounce substructure (audio)
-shrəl
adjective

Examples of substructure in a Sentence

The bridge's substructure was damaged.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Topalian has made doors up to 24 feet tall that require their own steel or aluminum substructure. — Clio Chang, Curbed, 19 Nov. 2025 The entire structure – including substructure, culvert and guard rails – is in need of an overhaul. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 But the Palace of the Fine Arts, on the north end of the festival grounds, was protected by a brick substructure to protect priceless art collections from around the world. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 June 2026 To get the most out of a trip inside, book a special visit to the substructure (basically the backstage area where people and animals waited to be brought onstage), the third tier, and the belvedere via the Colosseum's website. — Katie Parla, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for substructure

Word History

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of substructure was in 1726

Rhymes for substructure

See All Rhymes for substructure

Browse Nearby Words

substructural
substructure
substylar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Substructure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substructure. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

substructure

noun
sub·​struc·​ture ˈsəb-ˌstrək-chər How to pronounce substructure (audio)
: an underlying or supporting part of a structure

Medical Definition

substructure

noun
sub·​struc·​ture ˈsəb-ˌstrək-chər How to pronounce substructure (audio)
: an underlying or supporting structure
substructural
-chə-rəl, -shrəl How to pronounce substructure (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on substructure

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for substructure

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