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

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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

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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

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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
While there is no way for an AI assistant to replace a genuine human connection, a comforting presence can go a long way if no other support structure is available. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025 The movies had developed a bit of a formulaic structure where there was a premonition, the premonition was avoided, and then death came after the characters one by one. William Earl, Variety, 16 May 2025
Verb
The debt is structured in a way aimed at avoiding a tax increase, replacing existing debt as it is paid off. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025 According to White, the platform’s ad share model is structured to level the playing field for Black creators, particularly Black women who have long been underpaid and undervalued in the content creation space. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for structure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for structure
Noun
  • In the exclusive pic above, Fallon and Saint John, 48, are seen standing side-by-side in a sleek brick building with smiles on their faces.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Her pathway to revitalize the Brownsville Community includes a multi-site development spanning 16 parcels that includes 30 units across 17 buildings anchored in the Bronzeville Arts and Cultural District.
    Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • The union’s plan calls for renovations and rebuilds among 18 existing facilities and the construction of a new training center, whereas the department pitched a 10-year, three-phase plan that would address some but not all facility concerns.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2025
  • The ceramic construction of this 19 x 16 x 25-inch bird bath—which may even attract other pollinators like butterflies—is surprisingly durable.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The combination of sensitive data, proprietary algorithms and changing regulatory frameworks calls for a more prudent and deliberate approach.
    Paul Ponzeka, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • However, medication abortions remain unavailable while Planned Parenthood continues to challenge Missouri's regulatory framework in court.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • In total, the crews constructed three embankment dams made of dirt and stone, the highest of which was about 26 feet tall.
    Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 9 May 2025
  • Archaeologists rediscover 17th-century brick kiln at William & Mary A team of archaeologists at the College of William & Mary, the second-oldest university in the United States, recently rediscovered a brick kiln used to help construct the Wren Building.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Both Hull and his production team and the Disney+ series’s own VFX team use the weight of Barbican estate style and brutalist architecture to create the sense of order being imposed on those lower levels of the city.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 10 May 2025
  • Fourteen members of the Wheaton church accompanied Cochran, who studied the history of Roman and Christian art and architecture for his graduate degrees.
    Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • So, nix that step by building a home gym that makes squeezing in a HIIT class first thing in the morning, a treadmill run at lunch or a yoga session on the fly much more doable.
    Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • But it’s also used as a preservative in a wide variety of products, from building materials to paints and plastics.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Once in place, the same algorithmic infrastructure that delivers economic advantage could be weaponized for political control.
    Ian Bremmer, Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2025
  • In the report, the Pentagon stated that China has adopted a global counter-terrorism strategy to prevent terrorist attacks against its citizens and economic interests abroad—such as the Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure program that expands China's influence.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Once soaked, the seeds form a gel-like consistency that can help move things along in your gut.
    Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
  • Chicago and Northwest Indiana formed an industrial hub then with plentiful factory jobs in everything from the steel mills behind the buildings making up the city's iconic skyline to car factories assembling the Fords cruising along Lake Shore Drive.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/structure. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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