structure 1 of 2

1
as in building
something built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity the only structure on the island is an old Spanish fort—or what's left of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in construction
something put together by arranging or connecting an array of parts the Egyptian pyramids are among the most remarkable structures ever built

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in framework
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form the basic structure of all those tract houses is the same: basically, a box

Synonyms & Similar Words

structure

2 of 2

verb

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 structure
Noun
Other artifacts found in the San Isidro pyramid structure, such as jade pendants, have also been discovered at excavation sites in modern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2025 More than 16,200 structures were lost to the flames, which tore through the cities of Malibu, Pasadena and Altadena and the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades. Kyla Guilfoil, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
The top is structured with underwire for great support and can be adjusted. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025 While the long-sleeve form-fitting Saint Laurent piece offered Kravitz's take on an awards season staple, the look also featured a cheeky twist in the back with two mesh cutout portions: one showing off her back and another structured around her butt. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for structure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for structure
Noun
  • Residents of Baniyas, one of the towns worst hit by the violence, said bodies were strewn on the streets or left unburied in homes and on the roofs of buildings, and nobody was able to collect them.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025
  • But facing insufficient low-income housing, cities including New York discharged psychiatric patients and some wound up in single room occupancy buildings (SROs) with no mental health or other supportive services.
    Robert M. Hayes, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The slight distortions of bodily forms and spatial construction do not push Newgate—Exercise Yard into the realm of fantasy, but rather are tools to buttress the overarching sense of monotony and drudgery.
    Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
  • While the terms of Gilgeous-Alexander’s summer supermax should be straightforward because the collective bargaining agreement has predetermined contract terms for such deals, the 6-foot-6 guard could run into challenges down the line, such as front office politics or roster construction concerns.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Tariffs are considered by many economists a political cudgel — sometimes used in a trade war — and not an efficient framework for international trade.
    John Towfighi, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Security and compliance risks arise when ACIs interact with sensitive data or execute critical tasks. Organizations must invest in robust governance frameworks, ethical AI policies and continuous model fine-tuning to mitigate these risks.
    Navdeep Singh Gill, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The shipyard also constructs training vessels for the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD).
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
  • When constructing an intricate, multi-leg Same Game Parlay, ardent bettors may spend hours assembling the wager.
    Matt Rybaltowski, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The architecture showcases clean lines, original wood materials and seamless indoor-outdoor living that defines mid-century modern homes.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Its impressive architecture and beautiful grounds have made the winery a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and tourists.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And now, thanks to this contract, Evans can look to build some more permanence in Montreal.
    Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The move marks a sharp departure from decades of U.S. policy supporting foreign aid to stabilize countries and build alliances.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Broader investment is needed to equip small businesses with the skilled workers necessary for large-scale infrastructure projects.
    Brynn Cooksey, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Most people in the enclave are struggling to survive without basic necessities, as their homes and essential infrastructure lie in ruins, making aid deliveries essential.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Through making Who Believes in Angels?, the two artists formed a close bond that went far beyond a working relationship.
    Chris Malone Mendez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The bulk of the fighting took place in Latakia and Tartus, coastal provinces that are the heartland of Syria’s Alawites, a minority sect that constitutes some 10% of the population but whose members formed the backbone of the army and security forces under Assad.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/structure. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on structure

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!