Anchor — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈaŋ-kər/ an·chor

Meaning & Definition of Anchor

Anchor (noun)

  1. a device usually of metal attached to a ship or boat by a cable and cast overboard to hold it in a particular place by means of a fluke that digs into the bottom
  2. a reliable or principal support, mainstay
  3. something that serves to hold an object firmly

Anchor (verb)

  1. to hold in place in the water by an anchor
  2. to secure firmly, fix
  3. to act or serve as an anchor for

Anchor (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one who reads and introduces news reports on a news program

    "the news anchor coordinated the reports of the correspondents from around the state"

    similar: anchorperson, newscaster, newsreader (chiefly British)
  2. something or someone to which one looks for support

    "my best friend has been my anchor throughout this crisis"

Anchor (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put securely in place or in a desired position

    "used ropes and sandbags to anchor the hot-air balloon to the ground"

  2. to stop at or near a place along the shore

    "we'll anchor at Praia, Cape Verde"

    similar: dock, land, make port

Related Entry: Weigh (anchor) (verb)

Weigh (anchor) is a different word from Anchor. The synonyms below are for weigh (anchor), not for anchor.

  1. as in embark

    similar: embark

Related Entry: Weighed (anchor) (verb)

Weighed (anchor) is a different word from Anchor. The synonyms below are for weighed (anchor), not for anchor.

  1. as in embarked

    similar: embarked

Related Entry: Weighing (anchor) (verb)

Weighing (anchor) is a different word from Anchor. The synonyms below are for weighing (anchor), not for anchor.

  1. as in embarking

    similar: embarking

Related Entry: Weighs (anchor) (verb)

Weighs (anchor) is a different word from Anchor. The synonyms below are for weighs (anchor), not for anchor.

  1. as in embarks

    similar: embarks

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Anchor

The most common words with a similar meaning to Anchor:

Chiefly British: newsreader

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Anchor

Words with the opposite meaning of Anchor:

Near Antonyms of Anchor

Word Forms of Anchor

Inflections: anchors, anchored, anchoring

Derived words: anchorless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Anchor

Middle English ancre, from Old English ancor, from Latin anchora, from Greek ankyra; akin to Old English anga hook angle

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Anchor

Words & Phrases Containing Anchor

Frequently Asked Questions about Anchor

What does "Anchor" mean?

"Anchor" means a device usually of metal attached to a ship or boat by a cable and cast overboard to hold it in a particular place by means of a fluke that digs into the bottom. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a device usually of metal attached to a ship or boat by a cable and cast overboard to hold it in a particular place by means of a fluke that digs into the bottom. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Anchor"?

Other words for "Anchor" include anchorperson, newscaster, newsreader, buttress, dependence, mainstay, pillar and reliance. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Anchor" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Anchor"?

There are 68 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Anchor". Common alternatives include anchorperson, newscaster, newsreader, buttress, dependence, mainstay, pillar, reliance, standby and catch.

What is the opposite of "Anchor"?

Antonyms of "Anchor" include loose, loosen, unfasten, unfix, unloose and unloosen. Near antonyms include extract, prize, pry and pull.

How do you use "Anchor" in a sentence?

Examples of "Anchor" in a sentence: "the news anchor coordinated the reports of the correspondents from around the state"; "my best friend has been my anchor throughout this crisis"; "used ropes and sandbags to anchor the hot-air balloon to the ground".

Is "Anchor" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Anchor" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Anchor" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Anchor" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Anchor"?

"Anchor" is pronounced /ˈaŋ-kər/ and divided into syllables as an·chor.