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

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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

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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 None of the four pillars of preparation—data, trust, value and adoption—requires a company to bet the business on robotics tomorrow. — Rodrigo Madanes, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Moreover, maintaining balance among the four pillars on a go-forward basis will continue to be an evolving issue to measure as companies press further into AI, particularly after some layoffs have been blamed on replacing employees with AI instead. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 For much of Armenian history, the church has been not only a religious institution but also a major pillar of Armenian cultural and communal life. — Shushan Karapetian, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 The 53-year-old is looking to make a statement, paying homage to hip-hop’s roots and pillars with his next project. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pillar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillar
Noun
  • Ionic pilasters and a modern light fixture dress up the staircase.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The small saints on side pilasters were sold off on the antiques market.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Consistent with their hypothesis, the secretion signal helps transfer the enzyme out of the cell, while the lipid anchor holds it near the cell surface.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • But despite this, they were still conceived of as being located within the mounds themselves, real-world anchors for these strange, marvelous realms.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Its Clark Street frontage, lined with Ionic columns, is right across from Federal Plaza.
    — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Some are closer to the win column than others and some earn a big unexpected bonus due to a boob falling out and receiving camera time.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The language that’s known as the backbone of the internet is now subject to what experts describe as one of the most notable vulnerabilities in recent memory.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Stocchetto’s son Maurizio, the current owner, marked the 50th anniversary with a light refurbishment but one that kept the vintage backbone intact, from the brocades and mirrors to the marble floor and dark wood panels.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pillar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillar. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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