1
as in institutions
a public organization with a particular purpose or function
donated to a foundation that supported cancer research
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in cornerstones
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
she had a good enough foundation in math to pursue an economics degree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of foundations
This is a year of building and construction to create solid foundations in your life, both physically and internally.
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Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
When money donated to charity through intermediaries primarily went to foundations, those assets were subject to a 5% payout rule.
—Ray Madoff, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
In his new role as executive chairman, Gildo Zegna will continue to oversee the group’s textile platform, the foundations of the company.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 5 Jan. 2026
The latter threatens its economic foundations.
—Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Advertisement The dangers of ignoring these foundations are becoming visible.
—Klaus Schwab, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
For its part, the City of Detroit will invest $500,000 each year for three years in partnership with regional and state foundations and agencies.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Without these important foundations, organizations may face legal exposure, operational strain and reputational risk.
—Oscar Höglund, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2026
Large, overgrown yews are very common in home gardens and typical along house foundations, often in odd shapes caused by years of shearing.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foundations
Noun
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Western counterparts often acknowledge them privately, even as public backlash from some European institutions and media figures ensued against Rubio’s candor.—
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The oil downturn and currency devaluation of the early 1980s shook Venezuelan society deeply, hollowing out the middle class and undermining trust in political institutions.—
Noun
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At the time, disability law experts worried that if successful, the lawsuit could topple one of the legal cornerstones of disability rights in the United States.—
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The cornerstones of the collection are curves and arched silhouettes, seen primarily in bookcases, cabinets, and tables.—
Noun
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The lab collaborates with national research institutes focused on mining, electronics, aerospace, and radiation research.—
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The committee evaluates nominations from qualified proposers—such as heads of state, national legislators, professors in relevant disciplines, past laureates, and directors of foreign policy or peace institutes.—
Noun
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Israeli attacks weakened Iran’s regional armed proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollahwhile US strikes dealt significant damage to the country’s nuclear program, which the government spent billions to develop.—
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In other locations, particularly in southeastern Iran, rights groups said security forces fired directly at protesters in Zahedan after prayers, wounding several people.—
Noun
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Better yet, those bedrocks are as plentiful as ever.—
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The bedrocks of healthy behavior are your biggest assets for staying disease-free.—
Noun
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DeFoor was set to appear in federal court later Tuesday on federal charges of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.—
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DeFoor also faces federal charges of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.—
Cite this Entry
“Foundations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foundations. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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