Meaning 1
To provide structural or practical support that prevents weakness or failure.
Reach for it when describing support added to a structure, system, or person
New cross-bracing will buttress the old timber frame.
Meaning 2
To add evidence or reasoning that makes a claim stronger.
Reach for it when describing support for an argument
The survey results buttress the case for later clinic hours.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| playful | ||
| everyday | ||
| professional |
| |
| formal |
|
playful
shore up
Fits when urgent practical support prevents further decline
Careful Shore up is informal and often signals only a temporary repair.
everyday
Fits when general help or load-bearing assistance is enough
Careful Support is broad and may be temporary or emotional.
professional
Fits when added material or capacity strengthens a weak point
Careful Reinforce may increase strength without propping against collapse.
professional
Fits when added evidence increases confidence in the case
Careful Bolster can improve appearance or morale without resolving a logical gap.
professional
Fits when the argument becomes more persuasive or robust
Careful Strengthen does not identify whether evidence, logic, or rhetoric changed.
formal
corroborate
Fits when independent evidence confirms part of an account
Careful Corroborate requires another source and does not fit pure reasoning.
formal
substantiate
Fits when evidence establishes that a claim has factual support
Careful Substantiate is stronger and may suggest the claim is proved.
buttress the argument
Two independent measurements buttress the argument for replacement.
buttress a wall
Timber frames buttress a wall until the mortar cures.
buttress the case
Patient travel data buttress the case for a mobile clinic.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
Your browser isn't saving lists, so this one will be cleared when you leave the page.