edifice
Imposing large building
An edifice is a large, imposing building—typically one of architectural significance like a cathedral, government building, or palace: the grand edifice of the opera house.
The word carries connotations of permanence and grandeur.
Figuratively, an edifice is any elaborate structure or system: the edifice of modern democracy, His argument was an intellectual edifice built on shaky foundations.
Build systematically
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- systemConnected parts forming whole
- foundationUnderlying support structure
pillar · cornerstone · architecture · scaffolding · facade · house of cards · ivory tower · crumbling
Underlying support structure
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- girderMain structural support beam
- beamStructural support member
- joistHorizontal structural beam
truss · scaffolding · brickwork · lintel · load-bearing · reinforcement · steelwork · stonework
Structure honoring someone remembered
- mausoleumMonumental building for interment
- memorialThing preserving remembrance
- pyramidPointed polyhedral solid
- cathedralBishop's principal church
basilica · colossus · obelisk · tomb · shrine · cenotaph · stupa · landmark
False outward appearance
- domeRounded vault forming roof
- columnVertical structural element
- archCurved spanning structure
- porticoColumned covered entryway
atrium · balustrade · cornice · frieze · pilaster · pediment · gable · turret
Inherited cultural legacy
- landmarkNotable point of reference
- historicOf lasting significance
- preservationMaintaining something's condition
- restorationReturning something to condition
antiquity · relic · ruins · remnant · monument · testament · enduring · timeless
Fortified urban stronghold
- strongholdFortified place of defense
- castleFortified medieval residence
- fortressHeavily defended military structure
- bastionFortified defensive position
rampart · battlements · keep · garrison · bulwark · moat · drawbridge · barbican
Legal proceedings venue
- parliamentNational legislative assembly
- capitolState legislative building
- senateLegislative governing body
- libraryBook collection or building
museum · university · hospital · embassy · consulate · treasury · ministry · headquarters
construct
Build systematically
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- systemConnected parts forming whole
foundation · pillar · cornerstone · architecture · scaffolding · facade · house of cards · ivory tower · crumbling · towering
foundation
Underlying support structure
joist · truss · scaffolding · brickwork · lintel · load-bearing · reinforcement · steelwork · stonework · construction
monument
Structure honoring someone remembered
- mausoleumMonumental building for interment
- memorialThing preserving remembrance
- pyramidPointed polyhedral solid
cathedral · basilica · colossus · obelisk · tomb · shrine · cenotaph · stupa · landmark · temple
façade
False outward appearance
portico · atrium · balustrade · cornice · frieze · pilaster · pediment · gable · turret · buttress
heritage
Inherited cultural legacy
- landmarkNotable point of reference
- historicOf lasting significance
- preservationMaintaining something's condition
restoration · antiquity · relic · ruins · remnant · monument · testament · enduring · timeless · venerable
citadel
Fortified urban stronghold
- strongholdFortified place of defense
- castleFortified medieval residence
- fortressHeavily defended military structure
bastion · rampart · battlements · keep · garrison · bulwark · moat · drawbridge · barbican · watchtower
courthouse
Legal proceedings venue
- parliamentNational legislative assembly
- capitolState legislative building
- senateLegislative governing body
library · museum · university · hospital · embassy · consulate · treasury · ministry · headquarters · city hall
edificechaos
Complete disorder and confusion
disorder · disarray · shambles · formlessness · disorganization