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 It’s centered on Bryant’s pillars of passion, obsession, relentlessness, resilience and fearlessness, core traits that Bowman used to persevere and conquer. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026 Cage solved my next problem by insisting that the way to discover new things is to overcome our dependence on our likes and dislikes, those supposed pillars of criticism. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 In an era of rapid artificial intelligence expansion, power grid stability impacts not just energy costs, inflation, and monetary policy, but stands as a vital pillar of national competitiveness. — CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 The company has taken the AMG G 63 and chopped off its roof and everything above the beltline beyond the C-pillar. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 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
  • Broadcaster, journalist, Today anchor and avid Wordle player Savannah Guthrie is set to host.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Meta needs its personal agent to be an anchor app for the company, which has been trailing competitors like OpenAI and Google in the red-hot AI market.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Then there's that vast lobby with its Neoclassical columns and lush foliage wall by celeb horticulturist Charlie Albone.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Rich tried to vocalize his concerns, writing about the dangers in columns for outlets like Time magazine.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The house and its grounds form the backbone of filming locations, though certain spaces on the property were either too cramped or did not provide the right lighting for film production.
    — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The agency had to completely overhaul its outdated technological backbone, Patel told Fox News Digital.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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