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 What happened to the committed father, community pillar, and righteous crusader who saved the day in Season 1? — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 Matsui, 82, has held the seat for more than 20 years and is a pillar of the Democratic Party establishment. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Nearby, archaeologists found part of the statue’s back pillar. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Coalition advisor Claude Ibalanky said at a news conference late Monday at Kabila’s residence in the eastern city of Goma that the FRN’s mission is to restore the pillars of a functioning republic. — Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 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
  • Sulaeman said that a tanker carrying fuel to Bali suffered an anchor problem while preparing to unload cargo, delaying deliveries to the island’s main fuel terminals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • After starting out in Canadian radio in the 1960s, Morrison joined the CTV Network in 1973 as a correspondent, producer and eventually a news anchor.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The artwork extends across an iron column, a beam, the ceiling, and the surrounding walls.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In his Sunday column this week, Jim Cramer noted that this market is facing several headwinds — both at home and abroad.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Zelenskyy said that Kyiv was investigating sudden speed restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Starshield, the military-grade version of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, which is the backbone of Ukraine’s drone operations and communication.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Network is the backbone of Ukraine’s drone operations Starshield is the backbone of Ukraine’s drone operations.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pillar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillar. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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