foundation

noun

fau̇n-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce foundation (audio)
Definition of foundationnext
1
as in institute
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 basis
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of foundation Transistors became the foundation of modern electronics, enabling smaller radios, computers, mobile phones, and countless digital devices. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 Then Franchione took over and laid the foundation for Patterson’s rightfully revered Hall of Fame tenure. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026 Eizenkot has campaigned on restoring public trust in government, strengthening Israel’s security, and preserving its foundation as a Jewish democracy. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 Quinn says that using a sponge can be particularly flattering on mature skin, though the foundation formula and skin preparation are just as important. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foundation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foundation
  1. institute
  2. basis
  3. institution
  4. cornerstone
  5. group
  6. bedrock
Noun
  • Monica Church was the institute’s executive director from 2022 to 2024, and Achilles remains a board member.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The state’s release does not set placement or wage targets for the new institute.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of institute
Noun
  • For the technology leader responsible for keeping essential services running, these details provide a basis for assessing what protections exist and what happens in an extreme scenario.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Violence in the West Bank has surged in recent years as settlements have expanded, often backed by Israeli forces; attacks on farmers and communities who rely on the olive harvest for their livelihoods now come on a daily basis.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • Save suspicious messages, account statements, confirmation numbers and notes from conversations with institutions.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • CineGouna now encompasses Funding; Forum, a program of panels, masterclasses and industry discussions; Market, which connects filmmakers with companies and institutions; and Emerge, its initiative for young and emerging talent.
    — Essie Assibu, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of institution
Noun
  • Each became a cornerstone of Eighties country music, but Anderson didn’t stop there.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Temasek was among the cornerstone investors in optical-components manufacturer Zhongji Innolight's multibillion-dollar initial public offering in July.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of cornerstone
Noun
  • The case originates from a change in admissions policy that began a decade ago, when a consulting group was hired to evaluate how the school system chose students for its middle school magnet programs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The money will go to conservation groups and local partners working on species the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies as endangered, critically endangered, or extinct in the wild.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of group
Noun
  • His position put him on the wrong side of a bedrock progressive policy in one of the most liberal places in America.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Barnes is cold-based, and thus frozen directly onto the bedrock beneath it, which prevents it from sliding.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of bedrock

Browse Nearby Words

found
foundation
foundationless
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Cite this Entry

“Foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foundation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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