What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fortress
Example
The fortress was built to withstand any enemy attack. [fortress: noun]
Example
The rebels took refuge in the abandoned fortress. [fortress: noun]
stronghold
Example
The city was a stronghold of the opposition party. [stronghold: noun]
Example
The company's stronghold on the market was challenged by new competitors. [stronghold: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stronghold is more commonly used than fortress in everyday language. Stronghold is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fortress is less common and refers specifically to a military structure.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fortress and stronghold?
Fortress is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while stronghold can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.