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 Its research also identifies consistent asset master data as a foundation for stronger operational performance. — Syed Ali, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 This morning calls for a burrito with a sturdy foundation of eggs, potato, cheese and chorizo. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 According to the foundation and the operator, the demonstration produced experience and knowledge to support hydrogen adoption in domestic coastal shipping. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026 One of its leading members, Alan Davis, who runs a foundation started by his parents, doesn’t disagree with Cuban’s opinion that Proposition 40 is an attack on the very rich for being very rich. — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 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
  • The institute’s annual watch list is one of the sources that most informs pundits and punters about the top contenders.
    — Mark Lewis, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, Monét says her album was indelibly shaped by her time at the culinary institute.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of institute
Noun
  • And, Ribera says, the framework may eventually serve as the basis for more prescriptive future regulation.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The region’s long investment in coal and steel became a trap once the economic basis for those industries weakened.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • Kyiv is split in half by the Dnipro River, with the right bank home to the majority of the city’s business centers, offices and government institutions.
    — Svitlana Vlasova, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Reopening an already shuttered institution could be much more difficult.
    — Andrew Stelzer, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of institution
Noun
  • But the long-running political struggle over the cornerstone law continues apace, with both sides now turning their full attention from the Capitol to the voters.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board’s tradition of making political endorsements is a cornerstone of this newspaper’s history.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of cornerstone
Noun
  • The letter is spearheaded by Guardrails Action, the nonprofit affiliated with Guardrails Alliance, the super PAC launched in June as a counterweight to pro-AI election groups.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The service The service at Sala is seamless and friendly, and from arrival, the front desk staff feels more like a group of friends than a removed set of hotel employees.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of group
Noun
  • Professor James Maas was a bedrock of the psychology department.
    — Jennifer Obel, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Still, the 1932 design laid down essential scientific bedrock.
    — Andrea Richard, The Conversation, 2 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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