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Definition of tentpole

tentpole

/ˈtɛnt.poʊl/
tent · pole
Plural:tentpoles
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tentpole Lexical Profile

tentpole Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Designating a major, heavily promoted film, television program, or media release expected to generate substantial revenue that supports the studio's less profitable projects.

Example

"The studio is counting on its big-budget summer tentpole movie to offset losses from smaller independent releases."

Synonyms
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• noun

1

A high-budget, widely marketed film, television show, or product whose commercial success is expected to financially support a company's other ventures.

Example

"Superhero franchises have become the primary tentpoles of the modern motion picture industry."

2

A flexible or rigid rod made of metal, fiberglass, or wood used to support and give shape to a tent.

Example

"We realized one aluminum tentpole was missing only after we arrived at the remote campsite."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

tenthly
tenting
tentlike
tentpole
tenuous
tenuously
tenure

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tentpole. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tentpole
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