Buttress
hardBUH-trus
verb
Definition
To provide support or reinforcement for something
Examples
“Additional research will buttress our argument.”
“The government buttressed the failing industry with subsidies.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Buttress is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "support" or "reinforce" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "undermine".
Related GRE Words
fortify
To strengthen or secure a place with defensive works; to strengthen or invigorate
reinforce
To strengthen or support, especially with additional material or resources
undergird
To support or strengthen from below
bolster
To support or strengthen; to prop up
advocate
To publicly recommend or support a particular cause or policy
champion
To vigorously support or defend the cause of
Master buttress and 800+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.