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 The video would provide the foundation for Duncan’s latest bid for freedom. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026 Accounting Statement 34 from the standards-setting nonprofit lays the foundation for capitalizing, reporting and depreciating capital assets. — Kathryn Blackman, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 The stakes are particularly high for Nepal because hydropower is both a foundation of its electricity grid and an important source of economic growth and export revenue. — Victoria Milko, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Combined, these hardware foundations ensure the benefits of AI picture optimization can be fully rendered and seen. — New Atlas, 31 Aug. 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
  • While higher earners had been spending more using credit cards, the institute said the gap across income classes began narrowing in May of this year.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In July, CalMatters reported that the measure was written in a way that likely predetermines the single institute that will receive half the funds.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of institute
Noun
  • Pricing Happy Head’s topical solution is billed on a monthly basis, with a single bottle containing two ounces of treatment solution.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Rice had a side hustle as a vintage dealer and brought in plenty of pieces from the same era, including 1950s sofas by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, a pair of 1970s blue suede armchairs, and benches from France with colorful bases.
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • Local media also reported gunshots ringing out from the Plateau administrative district, where the Presidential Palace and key institutions are located.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Canadian universities have successfully recruited 64 international scholars, 48 from top American institutions like Harvard and MIT.
    — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of institution
Noun
  • In the early ‘60s, the Tower Theater’s films entertained Cuban refugees and introduced them to American culture, making the theater a cultural cornerstone for the local Cuban community.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy.
    — Kica Matos, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cornerstone
Noun
  • El-Sayed dismissed a potential fundraising gap in the race, which could occur if donors were pushed towards Rogers or if outside groups like AIPAC intervened on Rogers’ behalf.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Only one person in this friend group is knowingly connected to a violent cult, so are we supposed to view him as a potential suspect?
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of group
Noun
  • Scientists who studied satellite images said bedrock underneath a glacier high in the Himalayan region had collapsed, taking part of the glacier with it.
    — Victoria Milko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This is the political bedrock of that, and people are just tired of the massive Hindu-Muslim-who-is-to-be-hated sentiment.
    — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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