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 system ensures good wet-rubbing and dry-rubbing fastness and softness on all kinds of fabrics. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Dec. 2024 Tat-Fung’s Downtown collection of blue, black and gray fabrics outperform conventional denim in color fastness, according to Tim Huesemann, the mill’s sales director. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2024 This advancement enables dyeing with Basic dyes, promising enhanced dye uptake and superior wash fastness compared to traditional Reactive dyes. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 13 Sep. 2024 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 The technology uses specific formaldehyde-free agents to enhance the dyeing process of raw garments, resulting in a bright and deep indigo color, improving wash and rubbing fastness, and increasing lightfastness and levelness. Andrea Onate, WWD, 12 June 2024 Fearing extermination, members of the Yezidi sect fled to their ancestral fastness on Mount Sinjar. Timothy William Waters, Foreign Affairs, 29 Mar. 2016 Branagh returns as Hercule Poirot, who has retired to a Venetian fastness. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2023 When using natural dyes, there tend to be issues with color fastness and shade consistency. Esha Chhabra, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fastness
Noun
  • The three-legged Boston Terrier bounds with the speed of a jackrabbit.
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Wind speeds are predicted to range from 11 to 16 mph, with gusts up to 29 mph.
    Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Over the decades, the neighborhood has shape shifted — from an industrial corridor to a Latino stronghold, from gang territory to a flourishing arts district.
    Achy Obejas, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Jenin is known as a militant stronghold, a place that has witnessed little to no peace.
    Britt Clennett, ABC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Drake also commended his Her Loss rap partner, 21 Savage, for his unwavering loyalty during the contentious feud before ultimately blitzing Budden.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025
  • These include signing up for an airline's loyalty program, bidding for an upgrade online, or simply asking for one in person.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Mets have been intrigued by the possibility of his velocity in a relief role, but valued the starting pitching depth in the past.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The Cubs would also hope to tease a little more velocity back out of Pressly, who has historically had strong ground-ball numbers, which would play well on a team with multiple Gold Glove defenders.
    Patrick Mooney, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Gothic fortress on West 23rd Street was once home to many of the twentieth century’s beautiful and damned—Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Leonard Cohen, Janis Joplin, and Sid Vicious among them.
    Ian Malone, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025
  • But storybook fortresses aren’t exclusive to mythical kingdoms and romantic tales.
    Gulnaz Khan, AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Between the lines: While there won't be a need for Donna Kelce to split her allegiance this time around, fans whose team didn't make the game may still be trying to decide which team is worth rooting for: the dynasty or the dynasty busters.
    Ross Terrell, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Over the past few months, the expectant mother has turned her allegiance to blue.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Thought to have been built sometime during the Post-Classic Mesoamerican period (1350 to 1521), the city stood as a bastion of Zapotec culture, which first emerged in the late 6th century B.C. and flourished until the Spanish commenced their conquest of Central America.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The big new corporate bet: Bitcoin Corporate treasury departments are usually bastions of caution, preferring to invest their companies’ money in stable assets like Treasury bonds.
    Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His legacy will forever serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the dedication, skill, and integrity that define the very best in our profession.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • McConnell’s dedication to improving was obvious before training began.
    Andy Jones, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fastness

Cite this Entry

“Fastness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fastness. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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