structure 1 of 2

Definition of structurenext
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
Sixteen years, zero decay The battery prototype demonstrated endurance, maintaining a stable structure and perfect reversibility over 6,000 cycles — equivalent to more than 16 years of daily operation — with zero loss in storage capacity. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026 Since then, ridership has dropped, and now the hulking structure is seen as little more than an eyesore. Theia Chatelle, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
Specifically, the chairwoman is in charge of a chaebol, one of the family-run corporations that structure South Korea’s economy and have far-reaching influence in every aspect of Korean society. Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 Apr. 2026 Danantara’s role is to help structure these partnerships—bringing in global capital while ensuring that projects meet higher standards of accountability, deliver long-term value, and strengthen Indonesia’s position in strategic industries. Pandu Sjahrir, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for structure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for structure
Noun
  • The assault killed at least seventeen people, including a twelve-year-old boy, wounded dozens, and destroyed buildings.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Hector DelaTorres, another planning board member, cited the other tall buildings that are either under construction nearby or already standing.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The county is overseeing design and construction for the cabins project, which is expected to be completed by the summer of 2027.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Mutual Ground is still looking for that $5 million from the state to move forward with its larger renovation and construction project, according to Santana.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The city’s nightlife offerings — including everything from concert venues and nightclubs to some wine bars and restaurants — are set to see a major overhaul this year as the city’s licensing department proposes changes to its regulatory framework for them.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • How Power Surges Damage Appliances and Electronics Understanding how power surges can damage your electronics provides a basic framework for planning preventive measures to minimize the risk in your home.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Scientific papers are filled with acronyms — some little more than strings of letters, others carefully constructed to form recognizable words, like GANDALF (Gas AND Absorption Line Fitting) and MIAOW (Minimum Inertia Adaptive Optics Widget).
    Clarissa Brincat, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Our everyday lives present unlimited opportunities to construct justice and liberation in our food system and otherwise.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The architecture draws on classic English influences, with a slate roof and detailed millwork, paired with more modern additions like smart home systems and an elevator.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The architecture was tightly calibrated with some dimensions adjusted only by inches and the materials kept deliberately restrained.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Sources indicate Gustavson has committed to building a soccer-specific venue in Las Vegas as part of the offer, with the flexibility to play at an alternate venue while the stadium process is underway.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • The Full Moon moves through your 12th House of Reflection, bringing attention to what’s been building beneath the surface.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • The Russian military appears to be losing some ground in Ukraine, contrary to claims by Moscow’s top brass; Ukrainian strikes are delivering damaging blows to vital Russian oil and gas infrastructure; and drone strikes by Kyiv have disrupted life in the Russian capital before.
    Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
  • His rhetoric and borderline audacious claims telegraphed that failure to make progress on the bridge was more than a mere infrastructure hindrance.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The case centers on Musk’s claim that OpenAI, Altman and Microsoft betrayed OpenAI's original mission as a nonprofit to benefit humanity by forming a for-profit entity in March 2019, 13 months after Musk left the OpenAI board.
    Deepa Seetharaman, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • That music was one of the only ways to communicate with his mom and formed the soundtrack to the mother and son’s happiest moments.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/structure. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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