Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

piling

[pahy-ling] / ˈpaɪ lɪŋ /
NOUN
beam
Synonyms
STRONGEST
girder joist pillar plank pole shaft sill timber
STRONG
axle balk bolster boom brace cantilever column crossbar crosspiece jamb lintel pile post prop rafter scantling spar stanchion stay stringer strip strut stud two-by-four
NOUN
pier
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dam dock jetty promenade wharf
STRONG
berth buttress column landing levee mole pilaster pile pillar post quay slip upright
WEAK
pierage
NOUN
pillar
Synonyms
STRONGEST
pedestal
STRONG
colonnade mast obelisk pier pilaster post prop shaft stanchion support tower upright
NOUN
rafter
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beam
STRONG
axle balk bolster boom brace cantilever column crossbar crosspiece girder jamb joist lintel pile pillar plank pole post prop scantling shaft sill spar stanchion stay stringer strip strut stud timber two-by-four
NOUN
retaining wall
Synonyms
WEAK
abutment breast wall bulkhead bulwark embankment revetment

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The tech sector is already slamming the brakes on some of its more lavish spending, and private consumer debts are piling up.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

These ridges form when chunks of sea ice are pushed toward the coast, piling up until they become thick enough to rest on the seafloor.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

He can no longer work; bills are still piling up.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

Offers are piling up on the man-made Palm Jumeirah island, where one hotel was hit by drone debris early in the conflict.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

People were already lining up for the free food, piling their plates high.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.