Definitions

pillar

[pil-er] / ˈpɪl ər /

NOUN

column of building, or freestanding column

Synonyms

STRONGEST

pedestal

STRONG

colonnade mast obelisk pier pilaster piling post prop shaft stanchion support tower upright

NOUN

mainstay; source of strength

Synonyms

STRONGEST

backbone

STRONG

leader light rock sinew supporter upholder worthy

WEAK

guider tower of strength

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.

Taco Bell is a key pillar of the bullish case.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Last month, Cecillia Wang, the head of the ACLU, asked the Supreme Court to preserve birthright citizenship, a pillar of the 14th Amendment.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

Travel and tourism - a key pillar of diversification in several Gulf economies has been hit hard.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

U.S. technology stocks remain a key pillar supporting the broader market.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

When the spasm of sickness was over, he came back to lean against a pillar.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

Vocabulary lists containing pillar

"Laws are not the only way to boost immunization”: an editorial from Nature

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The Road to Freedom

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Stories of Ourselves

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!