Synonyms of towernext
1
: a building or structure typically higher than its diameter and high relative to its surroundings that may stand apart (such as a campanile) or be attached (such as a church belfry) to a larger structure and that may be fully walled in or of skeleton framework (such as an observation or transmission tower)
2
: a towering citadel : fortress
3
: one that provides support or protection : bulwark
a tower of strength
4
: a personal computer case that stands in an upright position

tower

2 of 2

verb

towered; towering; towers

intransitive verb

1
: to reach or rise to a great height
2
: to exhibit superior qualities : surpass
her intellect towered over the others'

Examples of tower in a Sentence

Noun a hill from which one can gaze upon the towers of that great and historic city Verb that actor's performance towered over all others in the film
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Depending on the machine and settings, that material ends up in a purge tower built alongside the print, or in a collection of little plastic doll's-house-looking spaghetti balls, affectionately known as printer poop. — New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026 Parts of this are relatively localized radar towers and ground systems. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
Jean-Pierre took photos of celebrities arriving in flamboyant velvet suits, matching fur coats, towering hats, and golden platform shoes that screamed confidence and pride. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 The twins didn’t grow up playing basketball but were recruited by Palos Verdes High‘s coach, who noticed their towering height. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tower

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tour, tor, from Old English torr & Anglo-French tur, tour, both from Latin turris, from Greek tyrris, tyrsis

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tower was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Tower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tower. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a tall narrow building or structure that may stand by itself or be attached to a larger structure
2

tower

2 of 2 verb
: to reach or rise to a great height

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