Definition of fastnessnext
1
2
as in stronghold
a structure or place from which one can resist attack the guerillas retreated to their network of hidden fastnesses deep within the mountains

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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 fastness The redyed fabrics showed uniform color uptake and washing and rubbing fastness comparable to the reference fabric, according to the study. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 Editors and contributors compare dozens of sets and look for qualities such as softness, durability, breathability, color fastness, and how well the linens launder and withstand wear. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026 Li said the color builds the familiar ring-dye, white-core look designers expect, then fades predictably in laundry while maintaining high light fastness (Grade 4–5) and strong anti-yellowing. — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Nov. 2025 Like the pressing, the hard work mentality and fastness of transition for example. — Andy Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2025 The Neutral Ground had cowboys (or Cow Boys), Indians, cavalry attacks and rescues, and secret woodland fastnesses known only to the canniest frontiersman. — Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fastness
Noun
  • On a circular track, place a group of runners, all of whom run at unique, constant speeds.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Layoffs are low but caution is high Layoff activity hasn’t picked up speed, according to the Labor Department’s weekly reports on unemployment insurance filings.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • So, regardless of who wins on Thursday, the Greens even being competitive in a traditional Labour stronghold like this is indicative of how the smaller, more radical parties are increasingly challenging the mainstream.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Houthis descended from their northern stronghold, capturing Sanaa and forcing the government to flee into exile in Saudi Arabia.
    — AHMED AL-HAJ, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Me loyalty program uses the technology to give personalized product recommendations upfront.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • And, in doing so, potentially creates more loyalty, trust, and frequency of engagement.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Preliminary flight data show the plane descended 17,400 feet over 92 seconds while reaching a peak velocity close to the speed of sound.
    — Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
  • As global markets demanded higher performance thresholds, Gaydon answered with the ferocious Aston Martin DBX707, a high-velocity machine with premium luxury credentials plus supercar-slaying straight-line velocity.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The structures include monasteries and fortresses that showcase the reign of the Lombards, who played a major role in the development of medieval European Christianity.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The legacy data center strategy relied on secrecy—unmarked, fortress-like facilities hidden behind high security fences with minimal community outreach.
    — Kevin Brown, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There could be work drama or commotion among your colleagues that shakes up existing allegiances, which will compel you to reevaluate who’s really on your team.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In that same scene, Adam also jokingly calls Olive a rebel, which could be a nod to Rey’s allegiance to the Resistance.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Oregon, for example, has always been a bastion for distance runners and probably won't do anything to detract from its iconic track program.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • But now, San Bernardino, Riverside and Kern counties — once considered bastions of affordability — are all right there with them.
    — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The two families’ lives intersected once again in their dedication to fight for independence for the Baltic states in the early 1960s.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Cosumnes Community Services District Board President Peter Sakaris said the dedication to growing the pumpkins is inspiring, but the community’s support is equally remarkable.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fastness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fastness. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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