Structure — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈstrək-chər/ struc·ture

Meaning & Definition of Structure

Structure (noun)

  1. the action of building, construction
  2. something (such as a building) that is constructed
  3. something arranged in a definite pattern of organization

Structure (verb)

  1. to form into or according to a structure
  2. construct

Structure (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: building, edifice
    related: construction, erection, bungalow, cabin, chalet, cottage, house, lodge, summerhouse, hovel, hut, hutment, shack, shanty, shed, castle, château, estate, hall, manor, mansion, palace, pile, villa, skyscraper, tower

  2. something put together by arranging or connecting an array of parts

    "the Egyptian pyramids are among the most remarkable structures ever built"

    similar: construction, erection
    related: arrangement, assembly, configuration, frame, framework, shell, skeleton, geography, geometry

  3. the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form

    "the basic structure of all those tract houses is the same: basically, a box"

    similar: architecture, armature, cadre, configuration, edifice, fabric, frame, framework, framing, infrastructure, shell, skeleton
    related: cage, lattice, network, contour, figure, outline, profile, shape, silhouette, chassis

Structure (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in build, construct

    similar: assemble, build, construct, erect, make up, put up, raise, rear, set up, throw up, fabricate, fashion, form, frame, make, manufacture, produce, craft, handcraft, hew, forge, mold, shape, cobble (together or up), knock out, patch (together), prefabricate, create, invent, mint, originate, establish, father, institute, organize, concoct, contrive, cook (up), design, devise, imagine, think (up)
    opposite: disassemble, dismantle, take apart, break up, dismember, abolish, annihilate, demolish, destroy, devastate, eradicate, exterminate, extinguish, flatten, pulverize, raze, ruin, shatter, smash, wreck, blow up, explode

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Structure

The most common words with a similar meaning to Structure:

building, edifice, construction, erection, architecture, armature, cadre, configuration, fabric, frame, framework, framing, infrastructure, shell, skeleton, assemble, build, construct, erect, make up, put up, raise, rear, set up, throw up, fabricate, fashion, form, make, manufacture, produce, craft, handcraft, hew, forge, mold, shape, cobble (together or up), knock out, patch (together)

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Structure

Words with the opposite meaning of Structure:

disassemble, dismantle, take apart, break up, dismember, abolish, annihilate, demolish, destroy, devastate, eradicate, exterminate, extinguish, flatten, pulverize, raze, ruin, shatter, smash, wreck, blow up, explode

Related Words for Structure

bungalow, cabin, chalet, cottage, house, lodge, summerhouse, hovel, hut, hutment, shack, shanty, shed, castle, château, estate, hall, manor, mansion, palace, pile, villa, skyscraper, tower, arrangement, assembly, geography, geometry, cage, lattice

Word Forms of Structure

Inflections: structured, structuring

Derived words: structureless (adjective), structurelessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Structure

Middle English, from Latin structura, from structus, past participle of struere to heap up, build strew

First known use: 1560

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Structure

Words & Phrases Containing Structure

crumb structure, data structure, deep structure, fine structure, power structure, surface structure, play structure, prestructure

Frequently Asked Questions about Structure

What does "Structure" mean?

"Structure" means the action of building, construction. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the action of building, construction. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Structure"?

Other words for "Structure" include building, edifice, construction, erection, architecture, armature, cadre and configuration. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Structure" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Structure"?

There are 93 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Structure". Common alternatives include building, edifice, construction, erection, architecture, armature, cadre, configuration, fabric and frame.

What is the opposite of "Structure"?

Antonyms of "Structure" include disassemble, dismantle, take apart, break up, dismember, abolish, annihilate and demolish.

How do you use "Structure" in a sentence?

Examples of "Structure" in a sentence: "the only structure on the island is an old Spanish fort—or what's left of it"; "the Egyptian pyramids are among the most remarkable structures ever built"; "the basic structure of all those tract houses is the same: basically, a box".

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

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

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

As an A2-level word, "Structure" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Structure"?

"Structure" is pronounced /ˈstrək-chər/ and divided into syllables as struc·ture.