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Definitions

two-by-four

[too-bahy-fawr, -fohr, -buh-] / ˈtu baɪˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr, -bə- /
ADJECTIVE
cramped
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crowded narrow packed small tiny
STRONG
circumscribed close confined crabbed pent restricted squeezed
WEAK
awkward closed in hemmed in illegible incommodious indecipherable irregular jammed in little minute tight tucked up uncomfortable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
big broad-minded empty enormous generous huge large
WEAK
free open uncongested uncramped uncrowded uninhibited unobstructed
NOUN
beam
Synonyms
STRONGEST
girder joist piling pillar plank pole shaft sill timber
STRONG
axle balk bolster boom brace cantilever column crossbar crosspiece jamb lintel pile post prop rafter scantling spar stanchion stay stringer strip strut stud
NOUN
rafter
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beam
STRONG
axle balk bolster boom brace cantilever column crossbar crosspiece girder jamb joist lintel pile piling pillar plank pole post prop scantling shaft sill spar stanchion stay stringer strip strut stud timber

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The center I-beam that ran the length of the house was twisted, and the two-by-four plate on top of it was only 7/8-inch thick due to being compressed.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2023

Dave stared at the rat and picked up a wooden two-by-four, painted white, that was lying on the ground.

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2023

U.S. homes are often framed with two-by-four construction, and they need lighter windows than heavier-built European homes.

From Scientific American • Jan. 21, 2022

“I used conventional two-by-four wood construction, which is a game-changer.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2021

Tad grabbed a two-by-four, yanked it out of the rubble, and threw it behind him.

From "Time Bomb" by Joelle Charbonneau