1
2
as in pilasters
an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure
engraved columns supported the arch on either side
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 columns
The canopy of rising columns that resemble a forest open above, which allows light to pour through and mimic sunlight filtering through leaves.
—
ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
When viewed from the ground outside the Lincoln Memorial, the arch’s two columns would create a frame around Arlington House.
—New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
The grand columns, arches, and intricate tilework in the courtyard bestow a palatial impression, while little flourishes of local style lurk in every bedroom—there are seven.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2026
Other past lives included stints as the Nova-Park Gotham Hotel and Hotel Maxim’s de Paris—understandable, given the inarguable Beaux-Arts opulence to the Landmark building, with its limestone carvings, copper cornices, and Doric columns.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
There is the Lichtdom, or Cathedral of Light—more than a hundred searchlights beaming columns of light into the sky—creating an elevated sense of ceremony and import.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Shaw’s columns, exclusive to the Tribune, appear the last Monday of each month.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Guards formed columns to flank Washington’s coach, and Vice President-elect John Adams bid Washington a formal welcome.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
The statue was intended to be displayed between architectural columns, so the back would never be seen.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
When viewed from the ground outside the Lincoln Memorial, the arch’s two columns would create a frame around Arlington House.
—New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
The grand columns, arches, and intricate tilework in the courtyard bestow a palatial impression, while little flourishes of local style lurk in every bedroom—there are seven.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2026
Other past lives included stints as the Nova-Park Gotham Hotel and Hotel Maxim’s de Paris—understandable, given the inarguable Beaux-Arts opulence to the Landmark building, with its limestone carvings, copper cornices, and Doric columns.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
There is the Lichtdom, or Cathedral of Light—more than a hundred searchlights beaming columns of light into the sky—creating an elevated sense of ceremony and import.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Shaw’s columns, exclusive to the Tribune, appear the last Monday of each month.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Guards formed columns to flank Washington’s coach, and Vice President-elect John Adams bid Washington a formal welcome.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
The statue was intended to be displayed between architectural columns, so the back would never be seen.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for columns
Noun
-
Dense rows of Xs in the background suggest barbed wire.—
Ben Davis,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Since Tuesday, John Hurff has been inspecting the rows of peach trees at Schober's Orchards and Farm Market in Monroeville.—
Ryan Hughes,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the end, Laffrey, whose Broadway credits include Maybe Happy Ending and Parade, settled for using an iPhone app to record the size of pilasters and mullioned mirrors.—
Carey Purcell,
Architectural Digest,
27 Oct. 2025
-
With pilasters, a limestone facade, and classic symmetrical design, the three-story building exemplifies the Beaux-Arts style popular at the turn of the 20th century, grand but not ostentatious.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The writing in Book of Love thrives on this sort of ambiguity; the band would rather listeners read between every one of its lines than have the story spelled out for them.—
Billie Bugara,
Pitchfork,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Vehicles appear to have been tossed, power lines are down, and roofs are missing.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Downriver from the Shoshone Falls are the Pillar Falls, a low waterfall split by rock pillars.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Apr. 2026
-
As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Developers routinely file speculative interconnection requests for projects that never get built, flooding queues with phantom demand.—
Tejasri Gururaj,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The Mystery on the Backlot experience bogged down as fans waited in massive queues for the Big Reveal finale that seemed to happen every 20 to 30 minutes.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Officials said the multi-agency probe into Valente's motivations involved scouring more than 11,000 surveillance files, analyzing over 2,100 audio and video files from his personal devices, and conducting upward of 260 interviews.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The public and many Congress members have been sharply critical of the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files.—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Taylor Swift’s fans love to talk about invisible strings that tie people together, especially between her and fiancé, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Computer keyboards, lipstick, tennis rackets, pajamas, soft contact lenses, detergent, chewing gum, shoes, crayons, shaving cream, pillows, aspirin, dentures, tape, umbrellas and nylon guitar strings are just a few of them.—
Anne D’Innocenzio,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Orient Express, founded in 1883 and part of the Accor Group since 2022, has imbued the behemoth with the old-world glitz and glamour synonymous with its famous trains.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Morning trains typically offer gorgeous daytime views, but the evening trains may be in darkness depending on the time of year.—
Karon Warren,
AJC.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Columns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/columns. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
